Lesson 1Neck building: laminates, truss rod slot installation, neck joint options (dovetail, bolt-on, mortise)Learn how to design and build steady, playable necks using layers, precise truss rod slots, and reliable neck joints, comparing dovetail, bolt-on, and mortise systems for strength, ease of service, and sound 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 building from curve shaping and slotting to inlay and fret work, focusing on accurate layout, clean fitting, and step-by-step fret dressing that gives comfortable play 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 full finishing process from sanding and pore filling to picking between nitrocellulose, oil-varnish, lacquer, or polyurethane, then curing and polishing for strong, fixable, and sound-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 sure methods for bending rims and building forms, using heat, moisture, and clamping to control springback, avoid cracks, and make 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 adjustment, centre line matching, and glue plans, to ensure steady coupling, accurate tuning, and reliable long-term performance 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 gradingGain standards for picking and grading tonewoods, checking seasoning, measuring moisture, and matching pieces for structure reliability, visual appeal, and expected sound 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 keeping structure integrity and repeatable workshop 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 logical assembly order that joins neck and body, fits binding and purfling, and adds structure supports, ensuring accurate alignment, clean glue lines, and low risk during complex clamping tasks.
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 turn a built instrument into a responsive, comfortable tool, including truss rod tweaks, nut and saddle work, action and string height, tuning accuracy, and basic pickup fitting.
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
