Instrument details: Theo Hall - Steel string guitar

Having joined and cut the front to shape, Theo planes it to thickness.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

The channel for the soundhole decoration is then cut to depth with a witch's tooth.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Meanwhile the back has been thicknessed and a spruce strengthening strip is glued along the join.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

Some makers glue the bridge on before assembly, some when the instrument is together and some even after finishing. It is easier to glue at this stage and by gluing before shaping allows for fine tuning of the carving and string alignment later on.

Photo added on 23/10/2014

For a slotted headstock the side holes are drilled prior to routing the slots.

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A jig is used to rout the slots.

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The template is used to check the shape when bending the sides.

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The sides are then cut to length.

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Half-way through the assembly, the instrument starts to take form.

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The frets are stoned prior to recrowning and polishing.

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Applying the oil finish.

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Finally it's time to play.

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Theo's finished guitar.

Photo added on 23/10/2014