Lesson 1Neck building: laminates, truss rod slot installation, neck joint options (dovetail, bolt-on, mortise)Learn how fi design an' build stable, playable necks using laminations, accurate truss rod slotting, an' reliable neck joints, comparing dovetail, bolt-on, an' mortise systems fi strength, serviceability, an' tonal impact.
Choosing neck laminations an' grain orientationLayout an' routing of de truss rod channelInstalling single- an' dual-action truss rodsShaping de neck profile an' transitionsDesigning an' cutting dovetail neck jointsBolt-on an' mortise joint fitting techniquesLesson 2Fingerboard an' fretting: radius shaping, fret slotting, fret dressing, an' inlay basicsExplore fingerboard construction from radius shaping an' slotting to inlay an' fretwork, focusing on accurate layout, clean installation, an' progressive fret dressing dat delivers comfortable playability an' long-term stability.
Selecting fingerboard species an' dimensionsEstablishing scale length an' fret layoutRadius shaping an' surface preparationCutting an' gauging precise fret slotsInstalling position markers an' simple inlaysFret installation, leveling, crowning, polishingLesson 3Finish workflow: sanding, pore filling, finish types (nitrocellulose, oil-varnish, lacquer, polyurethane), an' curingLearn a complete finishing workflow from sanding an' pore filling to choosing between nitrocellulose, oil-varnish, lacquer, or polyurethane, den curing an' polishing fi durable, repairable, an' acoustically sensitive results.
Progressive sanding an' scratch managementPore filling methods fi open-grain woodsSealers an' washcoats before color coatsSpraying an' wiping different finish systemsCuring schedules an' environmental controlLevel sanding an' final buffing techniquesLesson 4Rim bending an' form building: heat bending, clamping, an' identifying springbackDevelop reliable methods fi bending rims an' building forms, using heat, moisture, an' clamping strategies fi control springback, avoid cracks, an' produce consistent, repeatable side sets fi various body shapes.
Designing an' building bending forms an' moldsPreparing side stock thickness an' moistureUsing bending irons an' blanket bendersClamping sides into molds without distortionManaging an' predicting springback behaviorReinforcing rims wid linings an' side bracesLesson 5Bridge design an' placement: saddle compensation, centerline alignment, an' glue methodsStudy bridge design an' placement, including scale layout, saddle compensation, centerline alignment, an' glue strategies, fi ensure stable coupling, accurate intonation, an' reliable long-term performance under string tension.
Determining bridge footprint an' massLocating scale length an' compensation pointsAligning bridge to centerline an' fretboardPreparing de top surface an' bridge bottomChoosing adhesives an' gluing proceduresDrilling string holes an' ramping slotsLesson 6Wood selection: seasoning checks, moisture content measurements, an' wood gradingGain criteria fi selecting an' grading tonewoods, checking seasoning, measuring moisture content, an' matching pieces fi structural reliability, visual appeal, an' predictable acoustic behavior inna different instrument styles.
Reading grain, figure, an' defect patternsAir-drying versus kiln-drying considerationsUsing moisture meters an' reference samplesAssessing stiffness-to-weight by flex an' tapMatching tops, backs, an' necks by propertiesDocumenting wood batches an' storage methodsLesson 7Top an' back preparation: thicknessing, arching (if used), an' bracing layout installationUnderstand how fi prepare tops an' backs through careful thicknessing, optional arching, an' bracing layout, balancing stiffness, weight, an' resonance while maintaining structural integrity an' repeatable workshop procedures.
Evaluating plates fi grain, defects, an' tap toneCalibrating thickness wid calipers an' gaugesCreating domed or arched plates when requiredDesigning bracing patterns fi style an' scaleCarving an' scalloping braces fi stiffnessGluing an' clamping braces wid proper caulsLesson 8Assembly sequence: gluing neck to body, attaching binding an' purfling, an' reinforcementFollow a logical assembly sequence dat join neck an' body, install binding an' purfling, an' add structural reinforcements, ensuring accurate alignment, clean glue lines, an' minimal risk during complex clamping operations.
Dry fitting neck to body an' checking alignmentGluing de neck wid controlled clampingPlanning binding an' purfling dimensionsRouting clean binding an' purfling channelsBending an' installing binding an' purflingAdding internal blocks, caps, an' reinforcementsLesson 9Final setup: truss rod adjustment, action, nut slotting, string height, intonation, an' pickup installationMaster de final setup steps dat transform a built instrument into a responsive, comfortable tool, including truss rod adjustment, nut an' saddle work, action an' string height, intonation, an' basic pickup installation practices.
Measuring neck relief an' adjusting truss rodsSetting target action at nut an' saddleCutting an' polishing accurate nut slotsAdjusting saddle height an' break angleSetting intonation at de bridge or saddlesMounting an' wiring basic magnetic pickups
