My shop is climate controlled. I try to let all building materials acclimate to my shop environment for at least six months or longer if needed before building with it. I believe that this is the best way to insure the performance and life of each guitar from season to season.
The woods used to build my guitars are personally selected. I prefer to obtain logs or billets and resaw to make my own guitar sets. All wood is quarter sawn for strength and stability. A priority is placed on stiffness, especially for tops. Stiff strong tops allow me to build lighter guitars and gain maximun output of sound. I evaluate each piece of wood based on its tap tone. This process of wood selection and preparation is time consuming, but the end result is worth the investment.
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Top Bracing
Traditional
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I have experimented with different top bracing over the years and have come to the conclusion that the traditional Martin style X bracing produces the most consistent results for tone and volume.
Experimental
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Back Bracing
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The backs of my guitars have a 15 foot radius. I use a heavy center back brace from top to bottom, which allows me to use only three cross braces. I believe that this configuration has the most strength to hold the radius true, while still keeping the guitar construction light.
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Thoughts on Guitar Making
It
has always been my goal to be original in the design and shape of my guitars,
rather than making clone copies. I rely upon using time tested traditional
construction techniques, but also take advantage of new technology as it becomes
available. One example of new technology would be the development and
improvement of water based lacquers. I have recently started finishing my
guitars with this �Green Friendly� product. It is not hazardous to the
environment or my lungs as the traditional nitrocellulose lacquer. Oh, did I
mention the water based lacquer provides a beautiful protective finish for my
guitars!
