Jeff is a luthier who builds harps, violins, ukuleles and acoustic guitars. In his words, this LP-style kit was “my first experience with electric guitar building.”
“The wood quality and the neck fit into the body pocket was absolutely perfect.”
Clear over figured maple is the least forgiving way to finish a top. There is no dye to even out the sanding and no opaque color to bury a glue spot, so the quilt has to carry the whole thing on its own. Here it does.
The shot below is the same body before finishing, with copper foil lining both pickup routes.
Soldering was the one genuinely new skill, and he says he “was in uncharted waters.” It came out the way he wanted: “everything came out nicely and I am quite happy with the results.”
Beautiful work, Jeff.
Leaving your figured top natural, or putting color on it? Post a photo and tell us which way you went.