Astrand OM build

[BradHall]

Beautiful guitar. I'm impressed on the removal of the finish at the bridge location. A chisel cross grain leaves no room for the slightest error. I'm nervous using a razor blade. A testiment to a masters skill.

[Scottish0177]

This is how Ted prepares his bridges

Tapering the string holes to match the taper of the bridge pins


Chamfering the string holes to make the bridge pins fit perfectly and get a cleaner look


Sawing string slots so the strings sit correctly under the bridge pins


Ted makes angled string slots so the strings meet the saddle at the correct angle and also so the strings don't touch any sharp corners which will prevent the strings from breaking at the saddle.


Conditioning and oiling the bridge


The finished results

[TomB'sox]

It is amazing all the little details that go into what appears to be just a small thing! It looks great. Can't wait for the finished product!!!

[Fngrstyl]

Absolutely amazing, Ted. I am so fortunate to own one of your guitars. Congrats, Scottish. This is one beautiful guitar!!

[Scottish0177]

Originally Posted by Fngrstyl

Absolutely amazing, Ted. I am so fortunate to own one of your guitars. Congrats, Scottish. This is one beautiful guitar!!

Hey Chad....That's great you own one of Teds guitars and having followed you on instagram it's obvious you love it...I tell folks about Teds work every opportunity I get...

Love you're playing and the Astrand seems to suit you well

Also love you're photographic talents,it's great to document you're landscape the way you have,although judging by some of those weatherfront photos,you possibly get nearly as much rain as Scotland

Take it easy

[Fngrstyl]

Originally Posted by Scottish0177

Hey Chad....That's great you own one of Teds guitars and having followed you on instagram it's obvious you love it...I tell folks about Teds work every opportunity I get...

Love you're playing and the Astrand seems to suit you well

Also love you're photographic talents,it's great to document you're landscape the way you have,although judging by some of those weatherfront photos,you possibly get nearly as much rain as Scotland

Take it easy

Thank you, Sir.

These pics sure make me want to commission one. Ted and I have talked, but I am just to scared to commit

[Scottish0177]

A real labour of love...Ted uses a bolt on neck/fretboard construction. Ted states that there are allot of pro's using this technique one of them being that He can take the neck on and off throughout the whole build depending on what area of the guitar He is working on. Ted levels all of his frets when the neck is attached to the body to make sure they are being leveled when the neck is in it's correct position. He then removes the neck to be able to work on the frets not attached to the body which makes the whole process allot easier and cleaner.

Here's a picture of the frets leveled.


When the frets are leveled they get a little flat spot on top, here Ted is reshaping and rounding the top of the frets.


To avoid sharp fret ends Ted rounds off all of the edges on the frets.


Each fret is then individually sanded with 320, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 3000 and 6000 grit sandpaper.


They are then machine buffed to a high gloss


To get that extra sparkle Ted then individually polishes each fret by hand with a soft cloth and fine metal polish.


Finally the fretboard gets it's first layer of oil.

[Scottish0177]

Apologies folks,but images don't seem to have attached to the narrative as usually happens...I will get on it

Technology eh

[Scottish0177]

Hey,have tried to reattach images but failing miserably...I will scratch my head some more and have another beer and try again

Probably nothing wrong with the technology,however the user may be a bit suspect when it comes to all this

[Nemoman]

Looks like the issue must be on photobucket's end--it's been known to happen!

All of your earlier pictures aren't showing up as well right now...

[Scottish0177]

Photobucket had thrown a wobbly....but normal service resumed and photos in thread back up and visible.

Ted working now on the saddle,nut and doing the very final finishing touches,then its strings on...im guessing he will leave the guitar to sit for a while under tension so the various bits of wood begin to know they are a guitar.

I will get the final photos up as I get them

Cheers

[steveh]

Really lovely pictures.
Several of my pals have Astrands and are real happy with them.

Cheers,
Steve

[Scottish0177]

Finally the big reveal...But quickly let me thank everyone who has viewed the thread...I have really enjoyed doing it and hearing your thoughts.there are some very knowledgeable and passionate people out there...my thanks have also to go to the various luthiers who have left comments, its very kind of you and is heartening that you feel comfortable to give praise to others work in what must be a very cut throat industry where you are all vying for the same business and at the end of the day peoples money.The modern day luthier has arrived and from what i have seen and read on the forum you are all a very talented bunch, and i only wish i could buy a guitar from you all....anyway enough of my prattle..















Thanks again everyone, and get in touch if you are thinking about an Astrand. if nothing else i will be honest about my whole experience and how the guitar is.

the very best of health to all, wherever you are

Scott

[TomB'sox]

Boy oh boy that looks fantastic. Great job all around with your design choices and the execution. The dog seems really excited about it.

My only complaint is the way you are talking in your post, it seems like a good-bye. Just because this guitar is completed doesn't mean you need to go. We need some Scottish practicality and strength on the forum. Stick around and help us out!

Would love a review when you have it as well!

[iim7V7IM7]

Congratulations on your new guitar...enjoy...