Pure Electric

I’m just starting a new e-mando build for Allan. I’m looking forward to this one, as there is going to be something very pure about its design. Uncomplicated electrics- one pick-up. Just two types of wood- the neck and body from the same piece of sycamore and the head overlay, fretboard and bridge from some cocobolo.

So first thing’s first- planning the first cut……..

As you can see here’s the pieces for the body, awaiting joining.

On all of my electric instruments, I always like to run the wires through the body- its looks much cleaner than having a pick guard to hide the wiring runs. So again, a bit of careful planning so that you don’t snooker yourself later on.

I like to paint any channels for the wiring with, a special conductive shielding paint; whether it makes a difference, I’m not sure, but I like to think that I’ve done everything possible to keep the instrument quiet and hum-free.

And then the body can be glued together!

After the body’s been cleaned-up and cut-out, the various cavities are routed.

No mater how much planning it’s still a relief to break through into the internal wire channels.

And in parallel, here’s the neck blank being laminated with a central piece of cocobolo, the spliced head joint etc.

And as always two strips of carbon fibre to ensure stability.

Making the Archtop’s top-plate

Here’s the latest video! In this one, I run through the process of making the top-plate for Archtop #4. I’m using some fantastic Sitka spruce for this one, fine grain and dead on the quarter.

In parallel to working on the top-plate, I’ve been making the tailpiece. The tailpiece is from the same piece of Macassar ebony as the head overlay; so a nice match.

Whenever I use a tailpiece jack-socket, I like to fit the tailpiece once the top has been glued to the rim and before the back goes on. This way the tail block can be supported whilst drilling the jack's 12mm hole and you don’t get the drill bursting out of the back surface. It also means that the top’s overhang is trimmed at the this point too.