Out with the old, in with the new

The start of a new batch of 4 guitars.  The number equates to the happy medium for me, with not too many, not too little.  Making more than one at a time provides me with some feedback and sample size to observe the effects of any changes I make.  It also makes things a little more efficient, which lets face it, is important since working full strap I only am able to make 8-10 guitars per year.  Making more than four would probably overload me and I would start to loose focus on detail.  Every maker has their own processes to follow with some faster than others – mine are very time consuming.  I think it pays off with reliability, consistency and quality.

The photo shows the start of a number of neck blanks with which I will prepare the next year or so of guitars.  At this point it feels like I am looking to the top of a very large mountain, preparing a major ascent over 5-6 months.  These blanks are a local timber called Queensland Maple, which bears no relationship with true Maples of the Northern hemisphere.  The local variety is more similar to Brazilian Mahogany in grain and density, and is excellent for guitar necks just a little harder to work.

neck blanks