Granddaughter wants a classical guitar

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Kevin in California
Posts: 2847
Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2011 4:19 pm

Re: Granddaughter wants a classical guitar

Post by Kevin in California » Tue Jan 21, 2025 11:18 pm

We now have a bridge for this guitar. 🙃
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Herman
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Location: Arnhem area, the Netherlands
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Re: Granddaughter wants a classical guitar

Post by Herman » Wed Jan 22, 2025 3:29 pm

Kevin, that looks like a cnc machined bridge. Great craftsmanship!

Kevin in California
Posts: 2847
Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2011 4:19 pm

Re: Granddaughter wants a classical guitar

Post by Kevin in California » Wed Jan 22, 2025 11:07 pm

Thanks Herman
I think bridges are fun to make

Kevin in California
Posts: 2847
Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2011 4:19 pm

Re: Granddaughter wants a classical guitar

Post by Kevin in California » Thu Feb 20, 2025 9:06 pm

So the weather is a bit nicer now and it's time to start the finishing. I decided to use Tru Oil on this one.

I've found that Shellac (French polish) does not fair well in India. Lacquer has done okay but I had one guitar finish start cracking after being there only a few months. 3 or 4 other guitars with nitro have been okay.

I did my very first guitar back in 2007 with Tru Oil but struggled with it. Wound up sanding it off a ND then using rattle cans nitro lacquer. Been spraying it ever since other than 3 classical done with the FP.
Anyway. Tru Oil for this one.

After pore filling the Spanish Cedar neck I've started applying the oil. Picks show 2 coats wiped on thinly. It is so easy to use. I think I will be happy with the outcome.

I'll do enough coats to fill the pores and have a flat surface to polish.

This should hold up much better in the high humidity and high heat of Goa, India.

More pics coming as I progress.
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Kevin in California
Posts: 2847
Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2011 4:19 pm

Re: Granddaughter wants a classical guitar

Post by Kevin in California » Mon Mar 24, 2025 10:22 pm

So I have this one almost done. I made it a satin/ brushed finish using 0000 steel wool.
I just didn't get enough Tru Oil on to feel comfortable leveling it a second time to try and buff it. It looks pretty good though. I'm hoping this finish holds up well in India. It is very thin. I'll try it again some time for a thicker one that I can take up to a high gloss.

Anyway. I glued on the bridge, installed the tuners, made the nut and saddle and strung her up.

It sounds in tune and has a nice tone. The action is a touch high at 4.5 and 3.5mm so I may bring the saddle down after a few days. We'll see. It plays quite good as is with no buzzing.

I'm happy enough with it. I think my granddaughter will like it.
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John Parchem
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Re: Granddaughter wants a classical guitar

Post by John Parchem » Mon Mar 24, 2025 10:54 pm

Nice, a gorgeous instrument for your granddaughter!

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