Instrument details: Pete Lewis - Arch top guitar

The wedges for the front and back have to be joined first - achieving a perfect fit is a demanding job.

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When the underside has been flattened and the shape cut out, the outside is rough carved with curved bottom planes.

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Meanwhile the neck is prepared and channels routed for the truss rod and carbon fibre rods for added stability.

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Thicknessing starts by drilling holes on the inside. The bulk is then cleared to the bottom of the drill holes before final carving.

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The thickness is monitored during carving with the final measurement being dependent on the individual piece.

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The next task is to cut the soundholes, first with a fine saw, then by trimming with a knife.

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The braces have to be fitted precisely to the contours of the front.

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They are then planed to height before shaping.

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The neck shaping is done prior to assembly, starting with the heel.

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Bending the flamed maple sides.

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The guitar takes shape.

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With the back and bindings glued it's time for the trial stringing...

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...and playing.

Photo added on 23/10/2014