Instrument details: Bernie O'Brien - Steel string acoustic

The template is made early on and will be used not just to draw the shape on the top and back, but also for setting up the assembly jig and bending the sides.

Photo added on 02/06/2019

Chiselling the rosette channel

Photo added on 02/06/2019

Gluing the front bracing

Photo added on 02/06/2019

The braces are shaped to maximise vibration whilst retaining strength

Photo added on 02/06/2019

Blocking up the heel

Photo added on 01/08/2019

Bending the walnut sides

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The first stage of assembly, when the separate parts start to become a single instrument

Photo added on 01/08/2019

Cleaning out the fret slots inside the binding

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Applying the initial stain before the sunburst is sprayed on top

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The sunburst finish applied

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After reassembly it's time to check everything is working well

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The English walnut back

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A close-up of the rosewood bridge with bone saddle and bridge pins

Photo added on 03/08/2019

Bernie's finished guitar

Photo added on 03/08/2019