The most gut wrenching thing was when the end pin slipped out of my D-16GT while I was wearing it but occupied with something else and as such heard that sickening crack sound.
A close second was after bending the first set of mahogany sides for my first build. They were very brittle and I saw firsthand how crucial it is to clamp them in - and when they are don’t touch them until you’re ready to do the kerfed linings. One side cracked like rice crackers.
That being said, I found rosewood to be a dream to bend. Very little spring back; it wants to keep its shape because of the oils within. Also, if you suffer a key crack no big deal. The variations in the grain make it nearly impossible not to hide a repair. I found this out through repairing a key crack - which BTW is very scary to do regardless.
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(2006) Larrivee OM-03R, (2009) Martin D-16GT, (1998) Fender Am Std Ash Stratocaster, (2013) McKnight McUke, (1989) Kramer Striker ST600, a couple of DIY builds (2013, 2023)
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