Instrument details: Dave Austin - Steel string acoustic guitar

Dave is using black Tahiti pearl for his soundhole decoration The pieces are cut out and shaped to make a ring around the soundhole.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

These are then fitted between ebony strips into the thicknessed spruce front.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The back has also been joined and thicknessed and the Spanish cedar braces are glued on using go-bars.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Once glued the back braces are shaped.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

In the Spanish, or slipper heel method of construction, the inner and outer heel are parts of the same piece. Slots are made in each side into which the sides (and wedges) are fitted. .

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Parchment is used to strengthen the join between the X-braces.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The neck, front and sides have been assembled and Dave is making the final adjustments to the back prior to gluing.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The bridge is shaped after the trial stringing and is also the final brace to be carved.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Dave has chosen a traditional method to stain mahogany using potassium dichromate which reacts to the tannin in the wood, thereby darkening it.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

A wash coat of shellac is applied prior to spraying.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Dave has made a scratchplate from ebony less than 1mm thick and has inlayed it with walnut and black tahiti pearl.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Dave with his finished instrument, showing the figured walnut back.

Photo added on 23/10/2014