Instrument details: Andy Davis - Steel string acoustic guitar

Channels are cut for the outer rings of the soundhole decoration.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Prepared blocks of end-grain spalted maple are then glued in a channel between the rings.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The decoration is planed flush with the front.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Braces are glued on the walnut back.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Carving the braces is done to give the correct balance between strength and flexibility whilst being an opportunity to tailor the sound of the instrument.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The bridge, shaped to outline but not yet to height, is glued on next.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Andy has blocked up his walnut neck and is gluing in the truss rod.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

A scraper plane is ideal for final thicknessing of the sides.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The guitar is trial strung prior to final adjustments and finishing.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The saddle slot is routed.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The frets are stoned to correct any irregularities in the fretting.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

A late decision to bind the headstock prior to finishing...

Photo added on 23/10/2014