Instrument details: Dan Barnard - Steel string guitar

Dan has joined and surfaced the front and is now cutting it to shape with a fretsaw.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Dan has cut abalone pieces to size for the soundhole decoration and is inlaying them into the front, surrounded by ebony strips.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The back is three piece, of rosewood and pear.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Dan has chosen to scallop the main x-braces and tone braces, where they are carved away in specific places along their length to make the front more responsive. Here Dan is scalloping the ends of the braces.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The partly shaped bridge is then glued to the front.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Dan is using steamed pear for the neck. He has blocked up the basic shape and is here routing a channel in which the truss rod will be fitted.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The heel is shaped first with a chisel, and then using rasps.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The frets over the body are cramped in to avoid hammering over the vulnerable body.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

After final sanding a wash coat of shellac is applied.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Next grain filler is used to fill the open pores ready for finishing.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The guitar is lacquered, polished and ready to play.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Most of the binding channels are routed but they are finished off by hand.

Photo added on 23/10/2014