This is turning out so cool.

The CF that you're seeing in the joint carries all the way down towards the bottom of the block, similar to what a Spanish heel would do in a classical guitar.

I appreciate everyone's responses! This has been a fun project and I under-estimated what it would take to laminate the sides to shape and have them fit correctly. Also how tricky it would be to get the wood to conform to that curve. using highly figured wood probably didn't help-

The geometry is tricky, and not just the curve- Lots of planes have to come together correctly for it to work right. Much less wiggle room than a standard style guitar. I feel good about it but also don't have the blocks glued in yet :0.........

It gives me a new respect (not that it was lacking....) for the construction of the one this guitar is based on- Solid and 2 piece sides? Yeesh!

I currently have the second side glued up and curing and (fingers crossed) will have the sides glued up to the neck and end block this weekend.

Rodger- The CF is there to reinforce the mortise. By the heelcap it gets really thin and I was worried that it could easily crack if it took an impact. Also, I realized later, I could probably do some damage just in clamping things! The CF keeps it from caving in and deforming and saves me some worry. All good things!

Thanks for chiming in! Here are a few off the cuff photos.

edited until we can get the image hosting correct

This is fantastic. That neck block is epic.

Not a luthier, so this is probably wrong, but I suspect the Martin folks had a few highly trained beavers on hand to do this.

Way to go Burton!

HEY!!!! I see it now hahaha...fantastic looking. Nailed the original look for sure.

Lots of vicarious enjoyment here ... especially since I've had a similar guitar in mind ever since I held and played the original guitar several years ago. This is definitely pressuring the gasometer!!

Wow, that is quite an amazing feat of craftsmanship.

Thanks guys- Here is a cleaner shot after some needed sanding. Both top and back are slightly tapered-


Maurerfan, give me a call! No pressure but would love to chat.

Looks amazing, Burton!

Making the side have a compound curve so that it matches a curve on the heel is insane. The heel on the Martin makes it less complicated than what you're doing.

edited for clarity

The shape is perfect ... sooo nice!

Are the drill holes in the neck block to reduce weight?

Burton might have a termite problem in the shop :(

Very artful termites they be, too. :D

Ha! Yes- to reduce weight. The middle section that is solid will be milled out for the fingerboard extension that fits into the block as well. The tongues are both still slightly long too ad will be fit snugly to the first braces.

Trying to get things as light as possible. Since this is the first I am doing I am sure I am overbuilding a bit but I won't be sure until I feel it all strung up. It really is a tiny box :)

Beautiful Burton. Very, very nice indeed.

Thanks, Mr. LeGeyt, I suspected that was the reason after looking at the neck joint a bit more. I'm working on plans for one very similar, at least it's the same size and shape. I'm planning on using pernambuco for the back and sides. I will not be attempting to copy anything from your design, mine will be much less elegant and less structurally sophisticated.

Amazing project. Look forward to more pics.

I jammed out on my LeGeyt for a few hours over the weekend, I couldn't be more impressed! The top is starting to change color and get a bit aged, and tone is getter more warm and sweetr... she sounded incredible 1 week after being built, 6 months deep and I'm even more thrilled... You're gonna love this Koa! Burton, you the Man:D

I'm totally excited too. Having not played your hog CLM, but having my BRZ CLM, I think I can get an idea how light and resonant your guitar is.

Next up--decisions on what type of finish we're using, fretboard/bridge material, and cases. Will keep you posted :)

my CLM is the Brazilian one, built for the SB Show... and I Highly recommend the same finish as that, check with Burton, I know its a harder finish and gets sent out... Urethane? The way he builds it sounds more like French Polish guitars I've owned, only this is way tougher... Dry, sensitive, old and raspy in the best of ways.. I'd never choose anything else "personally" if I ordered another from him.

Oh that's right you got the other BRZ. Who bought the figured hog/swiss spruce? Juston knows but I cannot recall.

It went to sunny Arizona-

Dave's guitar is finished in polyester and that he would compare it to his french polished guitars feels like a compliment to me! Thanks for chiming in Dave :up:

I pushed one of our forum friends to buy the hog CLM, but should have purchased it for myself. Ah well!

Updated neck block
 

edited.......

Wow! Just my cup of tea!