sam guidry build thread

[Sam Guidry]

hi all, here is my first attempt at a build thread. this guitar is going to be a jumbo body with engelmann spruce top and "snakeskin" honduran rosewood back and sides. I have not decided yet on the other details so for now, i am just making parts!

here is the back being joined
IMG_1925 by sam guidry, on Flickr
measuring the top's resonant frequencies
IMG_1935 by sam guidry, on Flickr
rosette inlayed
IMG_1932 by sam guidry, on Flickr
laminating the side
IMG_1927 by sam guidry, on Flickr
finished laminated side
IMG_1928 by sam guidry, on Flickr

[CaE]

That has to be the simplest and most straight forward side laminating fixture I have ever seen. Brilliant!

[Halcyon/Tinker]

I'll be watching this keenly!

[Sam Guidry]

chris, the coolest thing about that whole setup is the adhesive. it is a heat setting glue that allows all the set up time in the world. once you have everything clamped in place, you hit the heat, let it reach temp for about ten minutes then let it cool. after the side is cooled, it will hold the shape. the whole operation takes about an hour from start to finish.

[SteveFischer]

Hey Sammy! Looks good so far, I love the rosette. Looking forward to watching this come together

[CaE]

Originally Posted by Sam Guidry

chris, the coolest thing about that whole setup is the adhesive. it is a heat setting glue that allows all the set up time in the world. once you have everything clamped in place, you hit the heat, let it reach temp for about ten minutes then let it cool. after the side is cooled, it will hold the shape. the whole operation takes about an hour from start to finish.

I was wondering why you had a thermocouple in the side sandwich.

I have never heard of a glue with those properties. Would you mind sharing what kind of glue it is? Thanks.

[Sam Guidry]

The glue is a hot melt laminating adhesive. It comes in a roll and it's about .003" thick. You lay it up between veneers when gluing so there is an infinite amount of open time. It doesn't get as hard as urea formaldehyde so the sides have a small amount of pliability. Pm me if you want the supplier

[Sam Guidry]

so I've got some more work in on the build and she is starting to come together in my mind. for now, here are some pictures of the back decoration being crafted.
IMG_1937 by sam guidry, on Flickr
IMG_1940 by sam guidry, on IMG_1944 by sam guidry, on FlickrIMG_1946 by sam guidry, on Flickr

[Sam Guidry]

and the finished back decoration and gratuitous go deck pic
IMG_2012 by sam guidry, on FlickrIMG_2008 by sam guidry, on Flickr

[Sam Guidry]

Got back from memphis on monday, fattened up on ribs and fried chicken and got some work done on the guitar. i was able to box up before we left and today i got the purfling in. tomorrow should be for carving the bevels and binding.
IMG_0937 by sam guidry, on Flickr

[Tony Vines]

Glad you are sharing, can't wait to see it finished!

[Martin Keith]

Sam,

Glad to see you've recovered enough from our fried chicken binge to get back to work! I was still full the next morning.

Looking good, man - can't wait to see it take shape.

Best,
Martin

[Sam Guidry]

I've got the guitar bound. hear are some pictures of the bevel and the finished (except the bevel veneers) body
Untitled by sam guidry, on Flickr
IMG_0942 by sam guidry, on Flickr

[Amite]

Thanks for sharing the build process. I always find it fascinating.

[Simon Fay]

I met Sam at the Memphis show and his work is very impressive -- incredibly nice guy too !!! This is shaping up to be a beautiful guitar.