Lesson 1Neck building: laminates, truss rod slot installation, neck joint options (dovetail, bolt-on, mortise)Learn how to plan and build steady, playable necks using layers, right truss rod slots, and trust neck joins, comparing dovetail, bolt-on, and mortise systems for strength, fix ease, and tone effect.
Choosing neck laminations and grain orientationLayout and routing of the truss rod channelInstalling single- and dual-action truss rodsShaping the neck profile and transitionsDesigning and cutting dovetail neck jointsBolt-on and mortise joint fitting techniquesLesson 2Fingerboard and fretting: radius shaping, fret slotting, fret dressing, and inlay basicsCheck fingerboard build from curve shaping and slotting to inlay and fret work, focusing on right layout, clean set, and step fret dressing that gives comfy play and long-time steadiness.
Selecting fingerboard species and dimensionsEstablishing scale length and fret layoutRadius shaping and surface preparationCutting and gauging precise fret slotsInstalling position markers and simple inlaysFret installation, leveling, crowning, polishingLesson 3Finish workflow: sanding, pore filling, finish types (nitrocellulose, oil-varnish, lacquer, polyurethane), and curingLearn a full finish flow from sanding and pore fill to picking between nitrocellulose, oil-varnish, lacquer, or polyurethane, then cure and polish for lasting, fixable, and sound-kind results.
Progressive sanding and scratch managementPore filling methods for open-grain woodsSealers and washcoats before color coatsSpraying and wiping different finish systemsCuring schedules and environmental controlLevel sanding and final buffing techniquesLesson 4Rim bending and form building: heat bending, clamping, and identifying springbackGrow trust ways for bending rims and building forms, using heat, wet, and clamp plans to guide springback, avoid breaks, and make steady, repeat side sets for varied body shapes.
Designing and building bending forms and moldsPreparing side stock thickness and moistureUsing bending irons and blanket bendersClamping sides into molds without distortionManaging and predicting springback behaviorReinforcing rims with linings and side bracesLesson 5Bridge design and placement: saddle compensation, centerline alignment, and glue methodsStudy bridge plan and place, including scale layout, saddle fix, center line match, and glue plans, to make sure steady join, right tune, and trust long-time work under string pull.
Determining bridge footprint and massLocating scale length and compensation pointsAligning bridge to centerline and fretboardPreparing the top surface and bridge bottomChoosing adhesives and gluing proceduresDrilling string holes and ramping slotsLesson 6Wood selection: seasoning checks, moisture content measurements, and wood gradingGet rules for picking and grading tonewoods, checking dry time, measuring wet content, and matching pieces for build trust, look appeal, and sure sound action in different tool styles.
Reading grain, figure, and defect patternsAir-drying versus kiln-drying considerationsUsing moisture meters and reference samplesAssessing stiffness-to-weight by flex and tapMatching tops, backs, and necks by propertiesDocumenting wood batches and storage methodsLesson 7Top and back preparation: thicknessing, arching (if used), and bracing layout installationUnderstand how to ready tops and backs through careful thickness, optional curve, and support layout, evening firmness, load, and ring while keeping build whole and repeat shop steps.
Evaluating plates for grain, defects, and tap toneCalibrating thickness with calipers and gaugesCreating domed or arched plates when requiredDesigning bracing patterns for style and scaleCarving and scalloping braces for stiffnessGluing and clamping braces with proper caulsLesson 8Assembly sequence: gluing neck to body, attaching binding and purfling, and reinforcementFollow a logic join order that links neck and body, sets binding and purfling, and adds build strengths, making sure right match, clean glue lines, and low risk in hard clamp works.
Dry fitting neck to body and checking alignmentGluing the neck with controlled clampingPlanning binding and purfling dimensionsRouting clean binding and purfling channelsBending and installing binding and purflingAdding internal blocks, caps, and reinforcementsLesson 9Final setup: truss rod adjustment, action, nut slotting, string height, intonation, and pickup installationMaster the last setup steps that change a built tool into a quick, comfy aid, including truss rod fix, nut and saddle work, action and string height, tune, and basic pickup set ways.
Measuring neck relief and adjusting truss rodsSetting target action at nut and saddleCutting and polishing accurate nut slotsAdjusting saddle height and break angleSetting intonation at the bridge or saddlesMounting and wiring basic magnetic pickups
