Instrument details: Nick Tilley - Steel string guitar

Nick is planing the Sitka spruce front before cutting the shape.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The thickness of the sycamore back is frequently checked with calipers, but the final judgment is made by a mixture of tapping and flexing the wood.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Nick has prepared and fitted a single ring of cocobolo around the soundhole and is scraping it flush.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The braces are lightened to make the front responsive whilst retaining strength and then profiled using a thumb plane.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The bridge is then shaped and fitted before gluing to the front.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Fine chisels are used to cut the recesses for the headstock inlay.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

In the traditional slipper heel method the sides are glued to the front via the tentellones which are fitted individually along the inside.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Nick is planing the sides to height prior to the linings being fitted.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The neck shape is achieved using a rasp, spokeshave and here, a plane.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The cocobolo bindings and inlay are sealed by applying shellac with a fine brush to avoid the colour bleeding in the finishing process.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The headstock, bound in cocobolo, with intricate mother-of-pearl inlay.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Nick plays his finished instrument.

Photo added on 23/10/2014