Totnes School of Guitar Making, South Devon, England, UK Totnes School of Guitar Making, South Devon, England, UK Totnes School of Guitar Making, South Devon, England, UK
Guitar making course, Totnes, Devon

Course photos: January 2008

Instrument details: Dave Atkins - Carved top mandolin

Construction

The two halves of the maple for the carved back are prepared to give a perfect join.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Construction

They are then glued together using sash cramps.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Construction

Dave, who has previous instrument making experience, is also making a flat top and an electric mandolin. Here he is planing the braces on the flat top.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Construction

To start carving the front of the arch top, a ledge is routed around the perimeter.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Construction

The basic lines of the centre line, waist and bouts are then shaped to prepared templates.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Construction

Then the outside is final shaped with planes and scrapers...

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Construction

...before the plate is thicknessed from the inside.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Construction

The f holes are then cut out and trimmed with a knife.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Construction

The braces, which are shaped to the contour of the inside of the front, must be clamped carefully to avoid the weight of the cramps distorting the front during the gluing.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Construction

Gluing on the corner bindings, using tape to hold them in place.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Course photos: January 2008

Totnes School of Guitarmaking  Collins Road, Totnes, Devon, England, TQ9 5PJ  Phone: +44 (0)1803 865255
E-mail: info@totnesschoolofguitarmaking.co.uk   Facebook: