Critical Bits

Wood

 Almost all of the wood used is from Orcas Island Tonewoods. Well seasoned, and I have a great variety. I'm well stocked with Sitka (my favorite), Adirondack (Red), Engelmann, and some Euro. For maple, Big Leaf, Red, Sugar, and a little Euro. All necks are sugar. Breaking from what's commonly used, I have a fantastic supply of OG bog rescued redwood, Doug fir, and figured walnut. The woodpile is constantly growing. That's Bruce on the top of his Island, in the middle of a ten mile hike! He's been harvesting tonewoods for over four decades, and every trip up is an amazing learning experience!

Hide Glue

I use hide glue throughout, except for gluing kerfing to the ribs (Titebond) and binding (Duco). 

Bracing 

I experimented with forward and centered X-bracing quite a bit early on. I've dialed in the tone bars quite a bit more over the years. That's what I'll be sticking with from here on. Still changing shapes, and experimenting with voicing. Having fun with it, and learning all the time!

Finishing:  Water Based Aniline Dyes, and a Brushed Alkyd Resin Oil Varnish with a Thin, French Polished Top Coat
***No More Spirit Varnish***

I'll spare y'all the details, but I left shellac based varnish behind, and I started brushing an alkyd resin, oil varnish as of August of 2023. I'm also doing a very thin French polished top coat. I made it up to #88 with spirit varnish, and then I completely changing gears. Too much heat. I got out of the kitchen. Absolutely loving the new results. It's a thin, strong finish, and I'm sticking with it.