The Luthier Community

While cutting one of the top pieces a part of it broke off. Evidently there was a crack that I didn't see. No problem I'll just glue it back together and it will add more character.
I figure now is the best time to do the "F" hole. Any time I had to use tape on the top I used blue painters tape so that there would be as little damage as possible when It was removed.
I used drill bits for the upper and lower parts so that I would have a place to start cutting with the coping saw.

With the top glued together it's ready to be glued to the body
The top was glued on with epoxy and the sides of the body were taped off to keep the squeeze out from staining the mahogany.

Tedward

Wow love the graphics and how you put the drop top together. How are you going to handle the finish over the rough surface?

MikeZ

On with the build. Final shaping is done and a 1/4" round over on the top and back. Back and sides are sanded down to 400 grit. I forgot to take pictures of the grain filler that I used. It was StewMac's Timbermate ebony. I taped off the top where it meets the back so that only the mahogany is exposed and applied the filler. This stuff is great it dried in about an hour and was ready to sand. I started sanding with 220 by hand and decided it was going to take too long. Out comes the orbital sander with 320 and five minutes latter it was done. The black grain filler filled the grain and also slightly stained the mahogany. Just what I wanted. Final sanding with 400 and it's ready for the finish. As to the top the finish was applied the same as the back and sides. I like the way the nail holes are showing.

Tedward

mziegler, the top will be finished as it is. I can't sand it, I'll remove the graphics. The finishing will be in the next post.

Tedward

Way too cool!

Can't wait to see this one come together.

Thanks for sharing Tedward!!!

_Mike

Finish time!!!
The finish I used was Target water borne clear coat. Since I don't have sprayer It was brushed on. I know what you're thinking "brushing a clear coat are you crazy". After doing several guitars this way I'm getting pretty good at it. Just as good as sprayed on. The waterborne dries fast enough to do at least four coats in one day. after three days and twelve coats (except for the top and it got six coats because it wont be sanded and polished) it hangs to dry for five days. Ok, polish time. First thing to do is tape of the top again. The last time. Look at that shine and that's before polishing! before sandingafter wet sanding with 1200 and then 3000a little polishing with McGuire's Mirror Glaze #7what a shine!now put it together and the end result

Tedward

Cool Bass with the dynamite top!!

I like this a lot, this has real character
Thanks for showing this to us.

G