The First Guitar: Side Assembly

In order to assemble the sides, a couple of clamping cauls (the 2x4 pieces on each end) were shaped to match the curve of the body.  The Tail block and Neck block also have the same radius, so I used one of them as a sanding block to make sure I had the same curve on the cauls.  You can see in the fit, I used a couple of spring clamps to make sure everything lined up nicely.  I have a 3/4" piece of plywood, and a piece of the cardboard from the box the kit came in for my work surface.  At this point, I can't help but notice the grain on the rosewood.  I have never really studied the grain of rosewood before, but it looks a little different to me here, and I am curious to see how it finishes.  I wet a section with some water, and I think (hope) it will look nice.

The neck block is cut on a significant angle, so in order to get the sides to sit flat during gluing, it is necessary to cut the profile of the neck block into the cardboard.  Once your cut the profile, you can push the edge of the Neck block into the cardboard which allows the sides to side flat on the work surface.  I didn't feel like it made a big difference, but the block came out flush with the sides after gluing.

I used four clamps on each end, and made sure the neck block settled nicely into the clot I cut in the cardboard.  This is the first time I have used cam clamps (the wooden ones), and I think I will like them.







The waxed paper is to prevent the rosewood from being scratched, and it also prevents the glue squeeze out from sticking to the clamping cauls. I am using Titebond glue, and I like the quick set up time.  I ordered this glue from StewMac.com also.

The First Guitar

After probably 2 years of looking through the Stewart MacDonald catalog, I finally placed the order for a guitar kit.  I ordered a dreadnought guitar and I couldn't wait to get it.  Really, I was checking my phone for the status of the delivery constantly.  It was about 50 bucks for the priority post, and it was worth every penny.  It was well packed, and I received it in 8 days.

It was like I was 6 years old on Christmas morning.  I am a careful unwrapper - I didn't rip anything. I laid the kit out on the coffee table for a close inspection and to my untrained eyes, everything looked great.  Rosewood sides, solid spruce top, and in a little black box lined with velvet, there were some Waverly tuning keys with ebony knobs that are packed like a piece of jewelry.

It's off to a good start - I am happy with the purchase from Stewart MacDonald.

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Kits/Acoustic_Guitar_Kits/Dreadnought_Guitar_Kit.html