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Main Objective:
You must first make a paper template and convert that to a plywood
template that will be used in marking, dry fitting and final glue up of the top
to the body.
Step One – Making a paper template
•
Take a piece of paper as big as the back of the
guitar or tape a few pieces of paper together to
make a sheet as big as the back.
•
Carefully trace the outline of the back of the
guitar onto the sheet and cut out the paper
template.
Step Two – Making a Plywood Template
•
Transfer the paper template to a piece of ¾”
plywood.
•
Drill or cut a 4” hole in the template at the rough
location of the sound hole.
o
The hole will give access for clamping the
neck plate. As long as the hole is
reasonably close, you’ll be fine.
Step Three – Locating and Marking the Top
•
Mark the centerline on the guitar top and the
plywood template.
•
Place the top on the body with the shoulder
brace initially touching the end of the neck
plate.
•
Move the top slightly back (1/16”-1/8”) so that
the shoulder brace does not touch the end of the
neck plate.
Note:
If the shoulder brace and the neck plate
touch, it could cause an undesirable vibration later on.
•
Without moving the top, carefully place the plywood template
over the top so that the neck end of the template is flush with
the end of the sides and is centered on the top and body.
•
Mark the excess (waist material) that will be trimmed from
the top.
