Author: Eric Schaefer

Installing the Rosette

Measure out and mark the center of the soundhole on the soundboard. I do this by tracing the outline of the form on the soundboard and measuring (in this case, 149 mm) from the top of the outline down the glue joint of the bookmatched pair. The jig on the left side of the picture is […]

Radial Rosettes: Making a Basic Pattern

*Note: The jig used in this tutorial can be constructed using the plans provided at this link: Radial Rosettes: Building the Radial Rosette Maker. Or it can be purchased here: https://ericschaeferguitars.com/the-radial-rosette-maker-kit/ I cut my scrap material (In this case, Zebrawood) into 2″ strips. I prefer the material to be approximately 1/8″ in thickness, give or take […]

Radial Rosettes: Building the Radial Rosette Maker

Also see: Radial Rosettes: Making a Basic Pattern Before we get started, if you want to save yourself the hassle you can purchase this jig here: https://ericschaeferguitars.com/the-radial-rosette-maker-kit/ Otherwise, read on: Whether following plans from a kit or building from scratch, the rosette is an opportunity for the luthier to be creative and flaunt their artistic skills. […]

Jointing and Joining the Plates

Jointing the centerseam of the soundboard is often the very first thing I like to do when I receive parts from a tonewood supplier. There is no better way to get acquainted with your soundboard-to-be than taking thin, wispy shavings off of it with a handplane. Here I am going to show you a simple […]