My Guitar Project II

[HNLim]

This second guitar project started life from Japan in 1974 when master luthier Sada Yairi completed this S.Yairi 800. It came into my possession in 1976 for a tidy sum of S$440/-. This has been my only guitar and it was mainly kept in its case untouched for about thirty-five years. It was only when my son decided to take up guitar that her unrefined voice started to sing again. Until about a year ago when I decided to get a better quality guitar for my son that I realized that her voice have improved and falls within the range of some of the best guitars I have heard. To cut a long story short, Due to sentimental reasons, I decided to repair her and to straighten her bend neck after having been in tension for 35 over years. A week later and S$150/- poorer, I took her back from the hospital (guitar hospital).

At first the neck seems straight until some weeks later, then I realized to my horror.

After a disappointing guitar project I, I decided to embark on My Guitar Project II.

I have already chosen the materials for this project and am in the process of purchasing the materials for the project. I must make special mention that luthier Sen Goh has kindly consented to help out with the project by supplying the expertise, tools & equipment.

Damaged finger board

Neck sawn off

Original S.Yairi 800 top bracing

Empty body shell
The body of this guitar is extremely light and very sturdy. I am excited to find out how it will turn out.[/quote]

 

[HNLim]

This is the latest update of my guitar project II.

Neck 1 - Position of the tuning machine

Neck 2 - Before glueing

Neck 3 - During glueing - Just to make sure that the joint is strong, the clamps will be left on for a week.

Purfling - I bought 3 sets of purfling from e-Bay but landed with 10 pieces. Is this normal to receive them in smaller pieces?

 

[MrBig]

Nice~!
More updates pls

 

[HNLim]

I am still waiting for the head-plate to arrive to complete the headstock. So while waiting for it, I decided to put my "rusty" carving skill to the test.

This is the Indian Rosewood bridge blank cut to size.

Underside of the bridge shaped to accommodate the arch top.

Letting my imagination run wild. After 3 hours this is what I have done.
What do you think?? Should I keep it or go for the traditional bridge?

 

[HNLim]

The 3 pieces of Indian rosewood headplate that I ordered arrived but I was terribly disappointed. They list it as 2 to 3 mm thick and all are exactly 2 mm thick. I find it too thin for my preference. I have another 2 sets of 3mm thick ebony headplate. I am still undecided to use the ebony or purchase another 2 sets of 5 mm thick Indian rosewood from another supplier.

 

[HNLim]

The head-plate was a disappointment. So I have purchased another 2 pieces of 5mm thick head-plate this time round instead of the so called 2 to3 mm thick. So while waiting, I have this to update.

Luthier Sen Goh’s new toy. The super plane.

The shavings from the plane

Just look at how fine and silky smooth is the shavings. Ihope luthier Sen will not get carried away with the beautiful shavings and overshave the top. Looks like a beautiful material for face mask.

Look! The spruce is so beautiful after the facelift. Hope theguitar will sound as good as the spruce top.

 

[HNLim]

Finally, after waiting for the thicker head-plate to arrive in vain, I decided to use the thinner head-plate.

 

[ShredAddict]

respect. where did you learn and get all these stuff from?

 

[HNLim]

After waiting for almost a month, the rosettes and purflings finally arrived. The parcel was wrongly delivered to Malaysia and finally redirected back to Singapore.

Packaging of the rosette and purfling looks impressive.

Excellent packaging but it cost me EUR 80/- for that.

Close-up of the rosette and purfling.

Now finally work on the top can begin.

 

[HNLim]

The removal of the old kerf was done by luthier Sen. He saw the kerf into blocks and then remove it in block and a compass plane does the job of cleaning up. Half of it done. A new and wider kerf should be in place to accommodate a more intricate marquetry when the time comes.

 

[HNLim]

The headstock design

This is the carved headstock that I will most likely use for this project. Due to my lack of carving skill, lack of carving tools and also lack of space to carve, I think, only this much I can do. I put a heart at the top of the headstock to show my love for this guitar that have been with me since 1976. I might just add some simple carvings at the 2 sides after mounting it on the headstock. The overall shape of the headstock design is from luthier Sen Goh.

 

[HNLim]

My good friend luthier Sen has finally found the time to glue up the Lutz Spruce for the top.

- - - Updated - - -

My good friend luthier Sen has finally found the time to glue up the Lutz Spruce for the top.

 

[HNLim]

After much consideration, it was decided that it will be much easier to work on the top with the neck installation rather than from the back. So the sides are now separated from the back to make this construction easier.