Ensor Guitars- Walnut/Cedar Build FINAL PHOTOS NOW UP

[CaE]

Originally Posted by Tony Vines

Chris, That is looking great. What is the bridge plate material?

Tony,
Thanks for following along. The bridge plate is cocobolo.

[OddManOut]

Originally Posted by Chris Ensor

I mentioned earlier that I love the smell of walnut. Cedar also has a very pleasant smell. But when you mix the too, it is pure shop heaven. I can see building with this combination more in the future if nothing else just for the aroma in the shop.

I love these types of "shop anecdotes" which simply can't be conveyed via picture.

Nice looking walnut...strikes me as having that classic walnut beauty.

[CaE]

Originally Posted by OddManOut

I love these types of "shop anecdotes" which simply can't be conveyed via picture.

Nice looking walnut...strikes me as having that classic walnut beauty.

It's really these sort of things that make lutherie so special. Guitar making is so much more than just gluing wood together. For the maker it is the feel and texture of the wood, the smell of each piece, the sounds every unique chunk of tonewood makes... Lutherie is a full sensory experience and one that touches the soul.

[CaE]

Binding day has arrived.

The first step in prepping for binding and purfling is to make sure the sides are perfect. I use a combination of things to do this- including a drum sander that mounts in my hand held drill, a scraper, and a hard sanding block.



Once I am happy with the sides, it is time for one of the most crucial steps in the build process. This is where things go right or very wrong- routing the channels for the binding and purfling. I use my patented "ultimate binding jig" to do this. I love this thing. It makes my life so much easier and gives me great results every time.



Once I have my channels routed, I route the cavity for the end wedge inlay. I love using the cut offs from the sides in this area to create a flowing design. I work very hard to line the grain up so that it connects the grain patterns from both sides of the wedge binding. I surround the wedge with binding and purfling that matches the rest of the guitar. The overall look is simple, clean, and classy.





Once the wedge is inlayed I once again use my binding jig. This time I am using it to route my wedge to the height of the binding less the purfling.

And now I send you over to the department of redundancy department- where here at Ensor Guitars we use our specialized guitar binding to bind special guitars. Each of the guitars has its binding and purfling tightly secured on with tape and then secured tightly with large rubber bands. And since its so much fun, we do it twice- just for fun.





Thanks for following along.

[j. Kinnaird]

Very nice build Chris. I love the wedge, quite clever, and I can attest to the fact that you patented binding cutter works very nicely.

[Steve Kinnaird]

Clean, handsome work, Chris. Thanks for documenting.

Steve

[CaE]

Originally Posted by j. Kinnaird

Very nice build Chris. I love the wedge, quite clever, and I can attest to the fact that you patented binding cutter works very nicely.

John,
I am glad it is working well for you.

Honestly, I had version one of the jig made for me years ago with the intention of using it myself and nothing more. I had gone through lots of different jigs and wasn't happy with any of the results. This jig is based off the one I used while at Sergei's but with some great modifications. Once I started using it I quickly realized just how great it is. I never intended on continuing making and selling these, but I felt a certain sense of obligation to help other luthiers achieve the results that this jig provides. It is such a blessing to use that it needs to be on the market.

[CaE]

Originally Posted by Steve Kinnaird

Clean, handsome work, Chris. Thanks for documenting.

Steve

That means a lot coming from you, Steve. Thanks!

[CaE]

Once all the binding is securely in place, I scrape and sand everything flush. This is where the guitar starts to look complete. This is also when the body gets prepped for its connect to the neck- routing the mortise on the body and the pocket for the fingerboard extension support.





And now for some beauty shots of the body. Check out the flame in the walnut, the way the lines flow around the end wedge, and how the purfling in the rosette is mimicked in the top purfling.











I hope you are enjoying the photos.

[dcn]

We certainly are! And the build seems to be progressing quite quickly, too.

[Zandit75]

Originally Posted by Chris Ensor

Sorry, just excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor!!!
That is gorgeous!!

[JJI]

And a really well done thread...great stuff, Chris.

[CaE]

Originally Posted by dcn

We certainly are! And the build seems to be progressing quite quickly, too.

dcn,
I am glad you are enjoying the thread. But don't worry, finish will slow things down significantly!

Originally Posted by Zandit75

Sorry, just excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor!!!
That is gorgeous!!

Zandit75,
Thanks. I think you'll really enjoy it once the finish intensifies the figure even more.

Originally Posted by JJI

And a really well done thread...great stuff, Chris.

JJI,
Thanks. The story of the build is what makes each one so fun and unique.

[invguy921]

Gorgeous piece of wood Chris and, looks like some really nice work too!

[CaE]

Originally Posted by invguy921

Gorgeous piece of wood Chris and, looks like some really nice work too!

Much appreciated, Mike!