Instrument details: John Crawford - 7 Course Lute

John has opted to make his own solid mould, starting with gluing up blocks of jelutong, a wood often used by patternmakers.

Photo added on 28/05/2016

The shaped mould before the rib facets are planed

Photo added on 28/05/2016

The spruce front is thicknessed to less than 2mm with the central area even thinner where the decorative rose will be cut.

Photo added on 28/05/2016

An upturned plane is ideal for fitting the ribs

Photo added on 03/07/2016

Starting to cut the rose

Photo added on 03/07/2016

The outside of the rose is detailed to give a 3d effect

Photo added on 03/07/2016

Gluing the braces. The braces that pass under the rose are stained black to make them less visible.

Photo added on 07/08/2016

Further small bars strengthen the delicate rose

Photo added on 07/08/2016

Gluing the fingerboard

Photo added on 07/08/2016

A peg shaver is easy to make with a tapered hole and a wide sharp blade

Photo added on 07/08/2016

The frets are made from gut and tied around the neck

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John with his finished lute

Photo added on 07/08/2016

The front has an extremely light finish, often none at all

Photo added on 07/08/2016