Parlor Acoustic Build

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TheIrritableLuthier
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After a bit of a break, I'm back in the shop. This time I'm trying my hand at a parlor size acoustic. I've always wanted one but never got around to trying and buying one. May as well build one instead.

This one will be a mix of sitka spruce top, figured silky oak back and sides, ziricote fretboard and bridge, and bocote headstock plate. Neck will be mahogany, but I haven't picked the wood for that up yet.

I'll probably go a bit lighter on build details this time around. The process remains essentially the same as before. But for anyone interested, I'll share some progress pics as I go.

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TheIrritableLuthier
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Bracing.

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TheIrritableLuthier
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Silky Oak Rosette. I ended up making the rosette ever so slightly smaller than I should have, so I split it to open it up and make it fit. Nothing the fretboard won't cover up.

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TheIrritableLuthier
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Getting started on the rim.

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howardlo65
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Looking great! Love parlor sized acoustics. Well, acoustics in general other than dreads.
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If only my playing level reflected my 60+ years of playing!
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UrenragK
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Really love your builds! So great to see a craftsman at work :)
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TheIrritableLuthier
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A few updates. The top has been braced and carved.

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TheIrritableLuthier
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I added kerfing to the rim, radiused the rim, fitted the top to the rim, and glued it all together.

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TheIrritableLuthier
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Some naphtha on the sides. There's a lot going on visually with this wood, between the figure and the grain itself. It should look pretty sweet all done up.

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UrenragK
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How's this coming along [mention]TheIrritableLuthier[/mention] ?
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TheIrritableLuthier
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UrenragK wrote: ↑Thu Aug 20, 2020 3:49 am How's this coming along @TheIrritableLuthier ?
It's coming along nicely. I've trimmed the soundboard flush to the sides.

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TheIrritableLuthier
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I've tapered the back of the rim, though this is a more subtle taper. There's only about 1/2" difference from front to back.

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TheIrritableLuthier
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Added kerfing for the back, and side braces.

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TheIrritableLuthier
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I carved the back braces.

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TheIrritableLuthier
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Just today I fit the back to the rim and got it glued up. I just need to trim the back flush to the rim, then it'll be time for end flash and binding.

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Razzle
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That’s looking sweeeeeeeeeet
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TheIrritableLuthier
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The back is now trimmed flush.

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TheIrritableLuthier
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I've also installed the walnut end flash.

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devdem
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Love this build thread. I have a parlor guitar in my future at some point. Been wanting one for a while.
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UrenragK
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Looks fantastic! Thank you for sharing [mention]TheIrritableLuthier[/mention]
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TheIrritableLuthier
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A couple updates. I've completed the walnut binding.

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TheIrritableLuthier
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Also, my first time attempting this feature, and it turned out pretty good - a side port.

Just a bit of sanding left, then I can route the dovetail pocket and start applying shellac.

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Mossman
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That's some nice work there!
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Mossman
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howardlo65 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 05, 2020 1:16 pm Looking great! Love parlor sized acoustics. Well, acoustics in general other than dreads.
dreads.jpg
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TheIrritableLuthier
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Shellac time. The figure is really popping now!

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