That notebook got a lot of use during the week.

Visit #1 proved that I *could* build a guitar!  Visit #2 was all about understanding *how* to build a guitar, so that I could produce a few more in my newly built home workshop (shed).

A slightly calmer headstock design this time around - though it's still not *my* design (ie the one that I've used on just about every build since).

Day 2...

That top is Amazique.  Which is another word for bloody heavy.  I chose it based on looks, rather than any other attribute.  The guitar is over 9lbs ... which is a bit heavier than comfortable.

🙁

"6 clamps is all you need for guitar making".  Hmmmmm ....

Keeping a record of progress on courses is a good idea - on both of mine I sat down with my iPad at the end of a day and typed up what had happened - good to look back - that combined with lots of pictures......

I have put together Photobooks for the two Bailey Workshop builds and my first home build.

Was Mark’s vice unbroken back in 2008?

Day 3 ...

I was using Iron Gear pickups back then.  I've recently gone back to them too.  In terms of value for money, I still reckon that they're unbeatable.  OK, made in China, but build quality has always been 100% reliable (more so than some UK hand-winders I've experienced) and the sounds are pretty honest and simple.  No overtones of blackcurrants or aged in barrels made from the Titanic BS.

😉

Thus far, all is good ...

Day 4.  Surprisingly, that followed Day 3 back in 2008 ...

The other thing about Amazique (apart from being heavy) is that it's hard.  Very 'eavy.  Very 'ard.  

Day 4 was spent carving.  Re-sharpening the newly-blunted tools.  Carving some more.  Re-sharpening the blunted-again tools.  Carving some more (etc).  I remember Mark's super-sander overheating a few times as he was trying to get it finished ...

This was always a real "WOWEE" moment on the courses ... nipping back into the workshop late in the evening to see the build with the first coat of finish on (thanks Billy, never forgotten).

Onto Day 5 ...

Looks like job pretty much done ...

And that really was just 5 days.

Quite how did Mark manage to oversee 4 "enthusiastic amateurs" building such brilliantly finished guitars, all completely different designs and materials, in 5 days?

Incredible!

Posted by: @

Yes - only need 6 clamps......

Rutlands changed the colour of their 4” clamps from blue to black - to clear they were doing 10 for £29.......

Billy was totally brilliant on my first course build - he must have worked most of the night to take my build and my mate Dave’s guitars at the end of our penultimate day and deliver mine with a satin finish and Dave’s with a gloss cap and the rest in satin by the next morning - a lovely chap, sadly that he is no longer with us.

he must have worked most of the night

Indeed.

Never forgotten.

?

He made a lot of smiles.

Posted by: @

is Mark wearing blue & black or gold & white ?? 

Hey TV!!!! We were in the same group! That's me next to Mark with the thinline Tele!!! I recognised that amazique top in a second.......

Boy, did we have a great time...... 

Looking somewhat thinner in that picture tho......... And with a less receded hairline......

Hello Edwin @e-den-hertog!

It was a great week 🙂

But then they've all been great weeks - I think it's one of Mark's laws!

I remember your Tele too - there was some beautifully detailed work on that.  How's it sounding today?

Great photo diary @tv1010101

Billy will be missed - he did stunning satin finishes on my two builds at the shop.

It’s good to here Lewis is filling those big shoes of his..

Lewis did a cracking job on my Tele last year!

Great photo diary @tv1010101

Cheers @david-johnson09

I’ve got one more left to share.

And then, of course, there’ll be another one for the 335 course build

😉