Instrument details: Alan Stevenson - Steel string guitar

When joining irregular pieces for the back, one method is to restrain with pins along either edge. Weights are used to stop the halves from pushing up along the join.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

When thicknessing the front, calipers are used to gauge the progress, with the final thickness dependent upon the individual piece of wood.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Alan has cut the sound holes to his own design.

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Alan is reinforcing the x-brace joints with parchment.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The assembly jig, or solera, is adjusted to the template.

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The sides can then be bent to shape before clamping to the jig.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The assembly is started with the front face down in the solera.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

With the front, neck and sides glued, the linings are prepared to accept the back.

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The guitar ready for the back.

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The fingerboard is slotted prior to fitting to the neck.

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And the view of the back.

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Alan's headstock.

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The finished and reassembled guitar.

Photo added on 23/10/2014