The Process...

Necks are carved by hand. Classical necks are one piece with a heel that extends into the sound chamber. The most common wood species for classical necks are cedro (Spanish cedar) and Honduran mahogany.

Acoustic steel string guitar necks are made from Honduran mahogany and occasionally maple. It is a little heavier, but much stronger for the tension that steel strings exert on the neck.

I hand carve many of my headstocks - it is somewhat of a trademark. I really enjoy adding this detail to my guitars. Most of them are unique patterns on one guitar only.

I use individual blocks (tentellones) for my lining. This is rarely done today as most builders use a kerfed strip of wood. My sides are bent exactly to shape without the use of a mold. The sides lay without any stress whatsoever as I glue each block into place. This ends up with a more resonant sound chamber with no stress in the wood to dampen vibration.

My fretboards are bound - which means that there is no exposed metal fret edge showing along the side of the fingerboard. I cut a strip from each edge of the fingerboard and then cut fret slots in the center section. After the slots are cut, the strips are glued back on and the fret wire is installed.