A Manzanita Local Wood Parlor

[Carl Dickinson]

I belatedly started photos of the progress the latest of the local wood guitars I've been building, a parlor. So I don't have any on the side bending, getting them in the mold and the lining install, but here's that result.

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A neighbor gave me a Manzanita log that was long and straight enough to get several slices using my bandsaw mill that yielded back and side pieces. Here's some outside slices of that process that should yield several fretboards, bridges and lots of binding.

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The back glued up.

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The top is Sugar Pine from beetle killed trees cut down and split into 3" wedges 4 years ago before resawing. Manzanita burl rosette and purfling.

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Bracing going on.

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I install the UTB into the sides and glued to the neck block extension before the top goes on.

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I use a double X-brace (per A. Carruth) and no bridge plate since I use a pinless bridge.

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And the back braces.

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[Kevin in California]

Wow Carl
I've never seen manzanita that big. It's a beautiful wood.
I've taken some chunks from my Dad's place in Oakhurst, but they always split so as the dry. I think I got a piece large enough for a couple of duck calls.
Nice you saved some of that beetle pine. I never thought of picking some up for guitar tops. There was plenty available back then at Hume Lake for the taking.
Should make a unique and beautiful guitar.
Okay, so now I'm probably going to have to try making a parlor. I've got some narrower lumber I could use on a small guitar I think.

[Carl Dickinson]

They are cool and very comfortable to play (as if I was still able too ). If you need a plan, I'll have the LMII one copied and send it to you if you would like.

[Kevin in California]

I hear you on the able to part. My playing skills are on a downward trend.
I'd like to have the plans. No hurry.
Just let know how much and we'll work it out

[Carl Dickinson]

Here's a few details before closing the box. Instead of using a heel to neck spreader, I screw them to the mold. Since I usually do solid layered linings the shape is maintained without the spreaders especially after the top is glued on. Hopefully I don't forget to pull them out before the back goes on.

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My go-bar deck has blocks that I can change to increase the deck-to-top spacing to allow for body thickness. Top on!

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Since I can't get my fat old hand in the soundhole and I use a vacuum bridge clamp, a JJB 330 is installed next before the back is on.

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Back on....

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[Kevin in California]

making good progress
are you using Fish glue there?

[peter havriluk]

Learn something new every day. The pickup's transducers don't have to be glued to the bridge plate? If that's true, it sure would make installing them dead easy. I could install then before the box is closed up.

Much obliged for your sharing the project with us!

Many thanks!