Lesson 1Neck building: laminates, truss rod slot installation, neck joint options (dovetail, bolt-on, mortise)Learn how to design and build stable, playable necks using laminations, accurate truss rod slotting, and reliable neck joints, comparing dovetail, bolt-on, and mortise systems for strength, serviceability, and tonal impact.
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 basicsExplore fingerboard construction from radius shaping and slotting to inlay and fretwork, focusing on accurate layout, clean installation, and progressive fret dressing that delivers comfortable playability and long-term stability.
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 complete finishing workflow from sanding and pore filling to choosing between nitrocellulose, oil-varnish, lacquer, or polyurethane, then curing and polishing for durable, repairable, and acoustically sensitive 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 springbackDevelop reliable methods for bending rims and building forms, using heat, moisture, and clamping strategies to control springback, avoid cracks, and produce consistent, repeatable side sets for various 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 design and placement, including scale layout, saddle compensation, centerline alignment, and glue strategies, to ensure stable coupling, accurate intonation, and reliable long-term performance under string tension.
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 gradingGain criteria for selecting and grading tonewoods, checking seasoning, measuring moisture content, and matching pieces for structural reliability, visual appeal, and predictable acoustic behaviour in different instrument 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 prepare tops and backs through careful thicknessing, optional arching, and bracing layout, balancing stiffness, weight, and resonance while maintaining structural integrity and repeatable workshop procedures.
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 logical assembly sequence that joins neck and body, installs binding and purfling, and adds structural reinforcements, ensuring accurate alignment, clean glue lines, and minimal risk during complex clamping operations.
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 final setup steps that transform a built instrument into a responsive, comfortable tool, including truss rod adjustment, nut and saddle work, action and string height, intonation, and basic pickup installation practices.
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
