Instrument details: Jesse Stearn - Steel string guitar

Jesse has joined the front and back and is here measuring the back thickness. Final thickness will depend on the particular piece of wood.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The paua shell soundhole decoration is cut to fit in the channel between black and white lines which have previously been fitted .

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The back braces have a curve planed onto them which in turn gives the back a slight arch.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The bars are then glued on using go-bars.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The bridge is glued on.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

A channel is routed into the neck for the truss rod.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The slots in the heel are then routed and the heel carved.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The sides are bent on an iron and here Jesse is checking the shape against his template.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The front, neck and sides are glued together. A hole on the upper transverse brace gives access to the truss rod.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The back is yet to be glued on but now the instrument looks like a guitar.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The structure is complete and is being prepared for finishing.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The lacquer is flattened after application ready for polishing.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

A close-up of Jesse's headstock inlay.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Jesse with his finished and reassembled guitar.

Photo added on 23/10/2014