Continuing on, Steve chose to border that Koa donut with Paua abalone rings, inner and outer. We build these off the guitar on a circular gluing form:
IMG_1964.jpg
Once these are assembled, Bishop Cochran comes out again for step two, which will be routing a recess for each ring:
IMG_1973.jpg
These Paua rings are then inlaid and clamped using the same procedure as used for the Koa ring. Results? Success:
IMG_1970.jpg
Finally, those rings were sanded/scraped flush to the top, the soundhole was cut out, and then the top shape cut out:
IMG_1974.jpg
And here is the top, resting over the back, which gives some idea of finished appearance:
IMG_1980.jpg
Thanks for watching,
Steve