Review of KGM's Mega Mold / Universal Contour Fixture

[Mike W]

Last week I closed the box on the scratch guitar I'm working on. This one of my favorite parts of building. This is my first time using KGM's Mega Mold / Universal Contour Fixture, and thought I'd pass along my thoughts on it.

Overall, I think it's a great system. It's well built, reasonably priced, and well thought out. I love that I can use for just about any body shape. I followed Ken's directions very closely and got great results.

I did a dry fit of my neck and it was just a little off. I think this was due to an error on my part. In the past, I would have fiddled with the heel. But instead, I tried Ken's recommendation of sanding the top area under the fingerboard. I was little nervous about this, but now that I've tried it, I really like it. It's a very direct method and beats sanding bit of the neck heel here and there hoping to get it just right. You can check out that procedure here: http://www.kennethmichaelguitars.com/NECKSET.html

The mold has an internal clamping mechanism. I was initially using these clamps to replace typical spreaders. I don't know if it is Ken's intention, but found spreaders were still necessary.

Gluing the top and back couldn't be easier. Just strapped them down with rubber bands.

This is my third KMG purchase. It seems like to get the most out of Ken's stuff, you need to adopt his processes and follow his methods closely. This isn't a bad thing. So far it's helped me build better instruments.

I hope this is helpful. Let me know if you have questions.

Mike

[ken cierp]

Nice review -- thank you

As for the internal clamps -- they are designed for use for a properly bent set of sides. Those that have constructed KMG kits know that the sides we provide pretty much snap into the mold. Our secret if you will, is to (like the factories) bend the waist curve perfectly, same as Taylor we use a separate bending device.

I know that there are suppliers who send out side sets with the expectation the builder is going to crush them into shape in the mold --- if that is the case I would agree that big turn buckle clamps may be required. However, I would suggest touching up the bends on a heated pipe to relieve spring back and get the correct profile. If you look at the Martin factory tour videos, for that matter many tour videos you'll see the rim is assembled without any mold at all, even the ribbon linings are installed with the rim assembly free standing.

[Mike W]

That makes sense Ken. My sides were a little off. Hoping to do a better job bending them next time.