Casper Build - Indonesian RW Huron for Beth

[mountainguitar]

Another update from Ken: He profiled the headstock today. Ken says:

"The process went without a hiccup. I also glued the back laminate on the headstock. In the past, I have glued the plates to the headstock prior to routing the profile. I decided this time to glue them after profiling. Prior to gluing, I position the plate and drill a couple of very fine holes (where the tuning pegs will go), which are used with pins to keep the plate aligned while gluing. Otherwise, the plate will slide all over the place when clamping. So the backstrap is now glued and curing. I'll do the face earlier next week".

And here are the detailed photos:

Getting ready to route the profile of the headstock




Profile has been cut and template can now be removed




Headstock ready for the laminates




The backstrap is aligned to the headstock and pinned in place prior to gluing




Mixing epoxy for the backstrap



The back laminate is clamped and left to cure overnight




Thanks for following! We're getting close!

[Kenneth Casper]

I am sure every builder approaches the headstock differently. My process has been refined over the years, and this approach works well and lowers the anxiety level compared to the myriad of others I have experimented with. Still, I am always glad when that profile has been cut.

With a couple of evenings this week, I should have the front plate and fingerboard glued on. Beth is right, we are getting really close now.

Ken

[mountainguitar]

So Ken just sent me a picture of the backstrap glued onto the headstock. I'm loving it! Ken's attention to the smallest detail really shows throughout this build, but these closeups of the headstock certainly highlight it.



Thanks for following!

Beth (for Ken)

[mountainguitar]

So Ken says my guitar should be ready for finish by the end of the weekend!!!! He sent a few more pictures, and we're down to the final decisions....

The big one is whether to use white MOP or black MOP for the logo on the headstock. He did it both ways and sent pictures of the logos against the back of the guitar (same IRW as the headstock). He says the black looks fairly dark at certain angles, and at others, it looks similar to the white. I go back and forth- I really like the look of the black MOP, but the inlays are white MOP and Ken used white MOP for the side markers as well. I think Ken may just have to decide. I'm not sure this is a good idea, but if you all have thoughts, feel free to share






Ken also glued the faceplate onto the headstock and installed the side markers on the fingerboard. Mine is the fingerboard on the top.










We should have pictures of a completed guitar, ready for finish, soon!

Thanks for following along-

Beth (for Ken)

[TomB'sox]

Well, since you asked, white one looks best to me considering all the other choices.

[nootis]

Originally Posted by TomB'sox

Well, since you asked, white one looks best to me considering all the other choices.

I like the coolness factor of black MOP, but I am in agreement with Tom.

This has turned out to be a lovely, lovely guitar.

[Nemoman]

Originally Posted by TomB'sox

Well, since you asked, white one looks best to me considering all the other choices.

+1 on the white...

Congrats on a beautiful guitar!

[Kenneth Casper]

Beth sent me a quick email this evening. White MOP it is:



We are on the last lap now. I need to glue on the fingerboard and the heel cap, final shape and sand the neck, make a bridge, and this guitar will be largely built.

Thanks for your interest.

Ken

[mountainguitar]

Thanks Tom, Nootis, and Nemoman for your kind words and your input- I was leaning towards white and you all helped nudge me the rest of the way. I think the white logo looks great.

And my case arrived today. So here's the picture Ken sent of the guitar trying out its new case- it's feeling so close!

[mountainguitar]

Ken glued the heel cap on my guitar neck tonight. He's working on another guitar as well, so the rest of the time in the shop went to catching that one up to mine. If any of you are interested in how Ken glues heel caps, he sent detailed pictures and provided commentary, which I'm passing along.

He also suggested a little something extra for the bridge. It's going to be cool- stay tuned

Ken's Commentary:
Preparing to install the heel cap. The heel is marked where it is to be cut




To help in cutting the proper length, tape is wrapped around the heel, and I sand the heel right up next to the tape




The heel is ready for the graft. I protect the body with plastic wrap, so the glue does not stick to the body




The heel cap is then taped in place and clamped




We appreciate you all following Ken's marvelous work on this guitar! Should have the "guitar is ready for finish" pictures soon!

Beth (for Ken)

[mountainguitar]

So Ken has been busy and my Huron is about built. He sent pictures- it's so gorgeous! I almost can't believe I'll be playing it one day. But I will be soon!

Ken suggested an inlay on the bridge that would tie it together with the fingerboard. He came up with this great design which takes some from the main inlay at the 7th fret:




And the rest of the guitar:


















So I think now I wait for the finishing.... I can't wait to see how it looks under finish! Thanks for following along-

Beth (for Ken)

[Kenneth Casper]

Good looking guitar, Beth!

Yes, I finished the building stage today. I made the inlays for the bridge then made the bridge. I had glued the fingerboard on yesterday, so I final shaped and sanded the neck. With the neck done, I drilled the holes for the tuning machines. The only thing left to do was round over the bindings and thoroughly inspect and sand the entire guitar, removing all visible scratches.

I need to fill the pores in the wood then I can start shooting lacquer.

Oh, I also need to position the bridge and mask the soundboard. In the pictures that Beth posted, the bridge was just stuck on the lower bout using double sided tape. I didn't measure or try to properly locate it, so don't get too excited if its location looks a bit off.

Nice to have this gem built.

Ken

[OddManOut]

I love the look of this bridge. The flow of the lines and the inlay are most excellent!

[mountainguitar]

Thanks so much, OMO... I'm loving what Ken did with the bridge. He really has been so creative and I'm very appreciative!

[lizzard]

Beth and Ken,

This one looks like a winner. Can't wait to hear it in person!

Best,

Chris