Instrument details: John Skelton - Steel string guitar

The cedar front is joined and then surfaced using a plane.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Having cut out the shape John is thicknessing the mahogany back, gauging the thickness with calipers.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

John's soundhole decoration involves a series of ebony triangles. These have been prepared and John is here inlaying them into the front.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Sections of the back strengthening strip are removed to accomodate the back braces.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The bridge must be perfectly fitted to the slightly curved front prior to gluing.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

John is routing the channel for the truss rod.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Bending the mahogany sides on an iron.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

With the front, neck and sides assembled the sides are planed to height ready for the linings and back.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

With the fingerboard glued on the neck is reduced to it's final outline.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

John is using a rasp to finalise the heel shape.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

A router is used to create the slot in the bridge for the saddle.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

A final clean up prior to finishing.

Photo added on 23/10/2014