Current Happenings

[Nelson Instruments]

I figure it might be fun to have a thread dedicated to updates on whatever I happen to be working on at any given time.
So for now it is acoustic instruments!
Here is a picture of a special order FT27 that had its binding applied. One of the custom appointments on this guitar is the tortoise shell binding. I am REALLY liking the way the tortoise shell contrasts everything else!


Here are the first 3 acoustics in this batch to get binding. There are 14 guitars in the batch, 10 of which will have binding.


FInally here is a picture that was taken just a little bit ago. 3 guitars with binding ready to go and 3 ukuleles with their binding glued in place!


More updates soon!

[Jero]

Dang man, I don't think I realized you made ukes.
Can't wait to see that tortoise shell!

[skullservant]

awww little baby ukes!

[Almonds]

I also did not know about the ukes. I always wanted one but could never settle on which brand was good. May I ask how much those are going to go for?

[Nelson Instruments]

Okay well the ukes that are pictured are the "Dapper" model.
There will be an all mahogany model called the piker (20s slang for cheapskate bahahaha) as well.
I think there will, at some point be a slightly fancier model called the "Spiffy"
I'm not 100% sure yet on pricing but ballpark looks something like this.
Piker : $300 ish
Dapper: $400 ish
Spiffy: $500 ish????

Differences being woods used and trimmings. Also the Dapper and Spiffy would come with hard cases as standard while the piker will come with a carrying bag.
These are soprano ukes. I might do a concert, and maybe a tenor at some point too. Baritone.....probably not.

[FuzzHugger]

Definitely subscribing to this thread.

[Nelson Instruments]

Okay SO here are some ukes with binding


Acoustic necks are dimensioned


And a few headstock overlays are glued on.


Much more to do! Stay tuned!

[colin]

Those look great, I'm looking forward to more shots of the acoustics in progress. Realistically my next guitar purchase will likely be a good acoustic, and I'll definitely be considering getting one of yours (not that this is going to be anytime soon).

[ifeellikeatourist]

I like this thread! It's really cool to see work in progress. Very excited about the ukes...my wife is semi-involved in a couple of uke forums...once they are ready to go, ill make sure she gives you a good plug! Also definitely consider a concert soprano as those seem to be popular.

[Nelson Instruments]

This little fella comes to visit from next door. Seems to enjoy hanging around the shop!


Some head stocks profiled


And some necks got preliminary carving.


This one has some nice surprise figure!


A pile of freshly milled fingerboards.


Finally the fingerboard blanks are now radiused and slotted.


More updates soon!

[Chankgeez]

^^^Awesomes. All of it. Cat especially.^^^

[Nelson Instruments]

Cutting out some inlays for the new slightly fancier acoustic model.


Inlays laid in position just for fun. I think they'll look pretty nice!


Phase two of neck shaping after preliminary carving is done. Time to blend in the heel and the headstock.


Half done with this one. (This neck is for a special order FT.27. Customer asked for a center strip. Looks nice!)


Done. This stage doesn't take long.....


Unless you have to do 14 of them in a row. You'd be surprised though at how quickly it all goes. Next step is to sand them smooth and fit/glue them to bodies! Now it will start to get interesting! (In case it wasn't already)
Here are three. Not much to look at now but just you wait!

[kosta]

This is great to see man! Very very cool. And gorgeous looking stuff.

[Nelson Instruments]

Thanks for the kind words!
Some inlays glued in today. I can't use superglue (sensitized to it) and don't like epoxy so I tried my hand at making a traditional inlay filler/adhesive. Hopefully it works!!! I think it will.

[Nelson Instruments]

Some FT-75 fingerboards routed for inlays


Decided to cut out some uke tops also.


A certain someone trying to look innocent.


How am I supposed to get any work done when someone feels the need to take a nap on my lap?!



Aaaannnnnndd hanging out on the table saw.



Back to work, inlays glued in and binding glued and clamped in place.



Here are the four fingerboards for the FT75 acoustics. All sanded level and ready to glue on!


All 14 fingerboards sanded and ready to go!


Two necks glued in!


Side view. These neck joints are so tight fitting that I didn't even need the one clamp I put on them but did it anyway just for good measure.


Today I glued a couple fingerboards on.


More updates soon!