Bracing the Top:

 

 

 

Here is the top in the go-bar deck. The top is placed upon a hollow radius form with a 25-foot radius, to form a slight arch in the top. I have already glued most of the braces in the go-bar deck already, and I'm now gluing the maple bridge plate and soundhole reinforcements.

This is a close-up view of the top in the go-bar deck. The braces have not been shaped yet.

 

 

The top, after the main braces have been glued (before the photos above were taken).

 

 

Here is the top, completely braced. I have also finished the scalloping of the braces.

Another view of the scalloped braces.

I have to make a clamping caul to use to support the underside of the top, when it comes time to glue the fingerboard extension. This must be done, obviously, before I close up the body. (I nearly forgot to do it!!!) So, here it is. I have chiseled out channels for the fingerboard brace and for the upper flat brace.

 

Here is the bridge gluing caul.

 

Here's the fingerboard extension caul, placed into position. I have covered all the contacting areas with thin cork, to protect the delicate top.

 

 

 

 

 

Here are both cauls in position.

 Go To...
 
  1. Beginning the Neck
  2. Making the Rosette
  3. Bracing the Top
  4. Bracing the Back
  5. The Sides
  6. Making the Soundbox
  7. Binding
  8. Shaping the Neck
  9. What's Left To Do?
  10. The Fingerboard
  11. The Peghead Inlay
  12. Finishing the Neck
  13. Finishing
 

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