Instrument details: Phil Bates - Arch top guitar

The first stage of an arch top guiar is joining the front. The two halves are planed flat and fitted together.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The underside is then planed flat prior to cutting it to shape.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

A shelf is then routed around the edge to give a reference for the rest of the carving.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The shape is then carved, first to templates.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Planes are used to acheive the basic shape which is then fine tuned with scrapers.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The inside is then carved out to thickness the plates. Much material can be removed by drilling to a preset depth.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The bulk can then be gouged to the bottom of the drill holes before thicknessing proper.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The f holes are marked out and cut with a fret saw.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The truss rod is glued in covered with a hardwood fillet.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The braces need to be carefully shaped to exactly match the internal profile of the front.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Phil is bending the sides around a hot iron.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

In the slipper heel method the first step is to align the front to neck join.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Phil has made the walnut bindings and bent them to shape ready to glue in.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The front end of the slots in the headstock must be relieved to give clearance for the strings.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The first coat of oil finish is rubbed on.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

A close-up of Phil's bridge and tailpiece.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Phil with his finished guitar.

Photo added on 23/10/2014