Yamaha Junkies First build thread. Wanna watch?

[Masao]

YJ, you are the man!

Love your side comments ... makes me smile or rather large . After 'seeing' the parlour restoration and now this ... how do you do all that 'woodwork' on the guitar AND take wonderful pics? If it were me i would be so into the 'woodwork' that i would forget to take pics (not that i could do what you are doing). Okay, so you are a photo pro but still ... you are the man.

Ken

[LindsayOfSaturn]

This thread is really interesting, liking it a lot. I think because you remind me of my dad and the quest I have to one day build a guitar with him! Great job, I will continue watching this one!

[Kitchen Guitars]

Hi,
It’s been a while since my last build post. It was a fast summer. ASIA filled my head with new directions and ideas, I got to spend a few days at the McKnight’s for McKnight Jam. Tim is very kind with sharing his vast knowledge. I watched John Mayes Videos on Voicing the top, closing the box, bending the wood……. I got to visit a few Luthiers for Guitar Bench Mag. Of course my project in tow.
Well I thought I was close to closing the box. Just put in the last brace....

Well, I showed my work to a few Luthiers. With the new input I came home... and cut off my side tone bars (Too small).

Tried to steam off the Bridgeplate.

No way. So, I chiseled out the Mahogany Bridge plate (too soft)




Improved the x brace (Bad Notches). I had chiseled out material I should not have.

I was told leave no gaps so I etched a 1” track in the x-brace, then filled it with wood so I could even/strengthen the crossover.

After a few conversations about side tone bars I figured why not go big?

I shaped them with sanding, then chiseled. Lots of streamlining to do lol

[Kitchen Guitars]

I also did not radius the replacements. Bill Collings told me he has a radius toward the center of the top but the tops sides are flat. I figured he probably knew what he was talking about.


I am still sanding the braces for smoothness. Also, my top is still too thick. I am hoping to sand out the superglue ooze out that is near the Rosette. Otherwise we are looking at my first guitar going sunburst.
Lets screw with the back.......
When I thickness sanded, I sanded the back strip to aggressively and ripped out some of the B/W Stripe. I put in a replacement but it did not match up perfect. Tim said “Dremmel it out and try again” Uggh! The stuff melts! So, It looks like cut dig cut dig……. But I’ll get it.


I think it is almost time to close the box. But, I have said that before.

[El Conquistador]

Originally Posted by Yamaha Junkie

ASIA filled my head with new directions and ideas, I got to spend a few days at the McKnight’s for McKnight Jam. Tim is very kind with sharing his vast knowledge. I watched John Mayes Videos on Voicing the top, closing the box, bending the wood……. I got to visit a few Luthiers for Guitar Bench Mag. Of course my project in tow.

I consider your thirst for knowledge the very best sign that you are going to be a good builder. You really are willing to listen and learn and go the extra mile to seek out knowledge. Excellent. I will expect great things from you. : )
LC

[Mary]

Great photography!

[Fliss]

Originally Posted by El Conquistador

I consider your thirst for knowledge the very best sign that you are going to be a good builder. You really are willing to listen and learn and go the extra mile to seek out knowledge. Excellent. I will expect great things from you. : )
LC

I couldn't agree more. Kudos to you, John, for your energy and dedication in learning your craft, it will surely repay you many times over

Fliss

[SlopeD]

Looks very tough...........and discouraging!

[Cornerstone Guitars]

Originally Posted by SlopeD

Looks very tough...........and discouraging!

It can be both at times....
Building a guitar is one of those things that can be frustrating.

Hang in there.

[Kitchen Guitars]

Thanks for the encouragement.
Frustrating? You mean like cutting the "Trench" 3 - 4 times, dig dig dig.... Glue in the new strip. Sand for an hour then tear out a hunk in the middle because of a flash flaw thought "I can do this with a chisel". So, you sand it down to cut it out again then snap the bit when you're halfway done redigging the trench. Yep, Frustrating.
So, I don't have another 1/32" bit. So, then I dug a 1/8" wide that will look great with a heringbone strip next to a brown black strip = 1/8"
Now I have to dig out the side that was perfect!
I love this.


Anyone got a wood chipper

[pappy27]

You Go! YJ

What a journey!

I've got most of the tools for the job; but I'd never have the patience.

An old woodworker I knew shared his rule of thumb with me :

If you can keep your piles of: finished product, scrap, and sawdust about equal you're doing good!

Keep on keepin' on.

[Cornerstone Guitars]

Originally Posted by Yamaha Junkie

I think it is almost time to close the box. But, I have said that before.

Quick question, are the finger braces staying this size?

[Diamondave]

I'm not sure Bill Collings knew what he was talking about.... cool work!

[66strummer]

Originally Posted by Diamondave

I'm not sure Bill Collings knew what he was talking about.... cool work!

Tough to find good advice I guess . I enjoy your posts and admire your patience . Keep up the good work! You're among a lot of admirers here......

[Kitchen Guitars]

Originally Posted by worshipguitar

Quick question, are the finger braces staying this size?

Yep. Why?