Day 9: The candle trick, Irish bling and the guitar speaks.

The candle trick is a convincing demonstration of my earlier statement that the binding not only enhances the guitar's appearance but adds to the the structural integrity and sonic efficiency of the soundbox. The trick involves placing a lit candle close to the soundbox and giving the top of the guitar a sharp tap with a knuckle in the area where the bridge will be mounted. Before the binding was installed, this caused the flame to flicker wildly but when the test was repeated this morning the flame was snuffed with ease.

Ornamentation beyond the traditional position dots and sound hole decoration generally consists of the manufacturer's name or logo. I have decided to inlay a simple Celtic knot in the headstock. I mail ordered the knot, hand-cut from abalone in three interlocking pieces. Installation involves routing and carving a corresponding slot in the ebony face plate. This is delicate work and absolute precision is impossible. The small gaps left when the abalone is in place are filled with ebony sawdust and CA glue. When sanded this mix is an almost perfect match with the surrounding ebony. The slight asymmetry resulting from the knot being hand cut adds a certain uniqueness to the overall effect. Tuning machines are installed to complete the headstock.

The guitar's bridge is cut and carved from an ebony blank. Holes are drilled for the strings and bridge pins, and a slot routed for the bone saddle on which the strings will seat. A bone nut is made for the top of the neck and the parts of the guitar are ready for a preliminary assembly and testing. Hollow bolts through the bridge allow the guitar to be strung before the bridge is permanently installed. The stings are fed from inside the soundbox up through the hollow bolts, along the neck over the nut and to the tuners. This temporary configuration allows the guitar to be tuned up to pitch and checked out thoroughly prior to final setup. It is an opportunity to play the guitar. Chuck and I try it out. The guitar is light and responsive. Volume sustain and tone are excellent. Even in its unfinished state it is evident that I have the makings of a very high quality guitar. We are well pleased.

The major structural tasks are all completed and tomorrow will be spent making minor adjustments. I will again be in the enviable position of being able to tweak the guitar to suit personal preferences.