Instrument details: Tim Jones - Steel string guitar

Tim is using Australian blackwood for his back and starts by preparing the join.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Having surfaced the outside and cut to outline, the back is thicknessed with plane and scraper.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Tim then fits the soundhole decoration...

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...before cutting the soundhole.

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Gluing on the back bars.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The front braces are generally a little more complex.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

After gluing, the braces are shaped to give an ideal balance between strength and responsiveness.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The sides are checked against the template during bending.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Once assembled, the sides are planed to height.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Preparing a channel for the end graft.

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Routing the saddle slot.

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The Australian blackwood back.

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Time to play...

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Tim's finished guitar.

Photo added on 23/10/2014