Guitar Making | syntholabo | Activity https://guitarmaking.co.uk/members/syntholabo/activity/ Activity feed for syntholabo. Thu, 07 May 2026 21:54:15 +0100 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-GB 30 hourly 2 53cdfdba0211d1db4fa93f93c453ecd4 syntholabo replied to the topic "OSMO finish tips" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/11601/ Fri, 25 Sep 2020 09:30:00 +0100 @johnnierox-boo   Hey there! So Sorry not to have posted anything since this guitar was made. I am really pleased with the finish after 5 coats of clear matt OSMO, all cut back with 0000 fine wire wool.   I…   Read more»

]]> d0d83aef1d1c92731ca240ff43175f5e syntholabo replied to the topic "When guitars go bawoom" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/2199/ Fri, 27 Dec 2019 13:59:15 +0000 Well wouldn’t you know it- a week indoors, no clamping:

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]]> 9feab115646f09b37afe25ae2f928595 syntholabo posted a new topic "When guitars go bawoom" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/2193/ Fri, 20 Dec 2019 12:29:06 +0000 Dear all,Could do with some advice on this inevitable outcome of leaving things too long between stages, in the middle of winter. Humidity levels have been baaaaad.

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We glued the upper face brace and lower face braces on about 4 weeks…   Read more»

]]> 564bdce4606cafaf6f38776dbbf26b3d syntholabo replied to the topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/2108/ Sat, 23 Nov 2019 16:00:48 +0000 @markbaileyYup, truss rod released to max, increased string gauge to 12.It’s so close. I have the smallest amount of relief now.You can tell there’s more tone to be had, but I don’t think I can do any more fretwork beyond…   Read more»

]]> 541562f6a9af3a59f45c55136ef6ad5f syntholabo replied to the topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/2104/ Thu, 21 Nov 2019 15:21:43 +0000 Slow-going update:Finish on (5 coats of Osmo), gauge 11 strings on… gulp.I’m still dressing the frets, which are now so low that recrowning is proving difficult. I am going to have to try with a 3-square file instead of a…   Read more»

]]> 285294a19d70c5e4c518f3f11a0a34e2 syntholabo replied to the topic "OSMO finish tips" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/2081/ Sat, 09 Nov 2019 13:53:32 +0000 @darrenkingRight- five applications of Osmo satin, with ultra-fine wool rubs in between.There’s a mild lustre on the back and sides, and a nice oiled colour on the spruce top.Back and sides are lovely and smooth but the top is bumpy…   Read more»

]]> d55823571f4a488b5a7549beb4aa97e7 syntholabo replied to the topic "OSMO finish tips" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/2041/ Mon, 04 Nov 2019 13:42:21 +0000 Hey gang.I’ve decided to Osmo. Matt or Satin to be deicded.Before I do the neck, does anyone know how a decal stands up to oiling / waxing? Is there a preferred way to get a logo on if this is…   Read more»

]]> da0ec1fb3ba351be43fb95b8009a30b5 syntholabo replied to the topic "OSMO finish tips" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1983/ Sat, 19 Oct 2019 21:19:46 +0100 Talking of ultra-fine steel wool…Mark- you mention 00000 grade in the videos. Did you mean 0000?That’s wat i got cos thats all there iz

]]> 87b73626fe2a2df4434a75ca22d85d15 syntholabo replied to the topic "OSMO finish tips" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1982/ Sat, 19 Oct 2019 13:52:18 +0100 Thanks Darren, excellent.I have a bunch of Osmo samples, and have already used the Polyx Raw onmy lovely maple floor.I’m thinking I won’t mind a bit of darkenung since this first build is pure pale all over.One question- do you…   Read more»

]]> 60e568bea755850838587c70f2004011 syntholabo posted a new topic "OSMO finish tips" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1979/ Fri, 18 Oct 2019 17:48:38 +0100 I’ve been searching for a while for advice on finishing with Osmo, because I’m petrified of spraying nitrocellulose in an inadequate environment for safety and quality’s sake.I want to know how much preparation with grain filler and sealer is required…   Read more»

]]> 5304e992e6889a4359e270285a7b76a7 syntholabo replied to the topic "Bandsaw Blade" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1944/ Sun, 13 Oct 2019 13:11:24 +0100 Somewhere between the blade width, blade tension and thrust bearings- lies the optimum state for cutting any given piece of stock. Have you looked up Alex Snodgrass’ bandsaw clinic?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGbZqWac0jU'Resawing‘ needs a wider blade with fewer teeth-per-inch. It’s frustrating when it goes…   Read more»

]]> 4b69440247419d9a36b029cd605445d0 syntholabo replied to the topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1927/ Tue, 08 Oct 2019 16:55:57 +0100 Fret dressing question (by the way the fret dress lesson has always been a dead end in terms of following the ‘next lesson’ tabs… it is part of the next lesson in any case):I found that my fret install was…   Read more»

]]> 6ce447da7f392d5b65e7dcea808fe358 syntholabo replied to the topic "you can never have too many clamps for a First Build." - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1813/ Thu, 26 Sep 2019 13:06:37 +0100 Are your clamps made of a wooden bar??? 

]]> 4ad1093ff34f4cee81e7d77b163dcef8 syntholabo replied to the topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1807/ Wed, 25 Sep 2019 18:35:36 +0100

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Here goes. I left the neck un-carved for this process.The end frets are indeed trickier- especially as I didn’t make my support caul wide enough. I can finish-hammer them in on the bench at least.

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]]> df6a2b56e8c9955885f34456bd761c67 syntholabo replied to the topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1801/ Wed, 25 Sep 2019 11:25:06 +0100 @jonathan-aucklandYES I’m into synths! I started my woodworking to make a case for my modular… got sidetracked!I was in the band 7VWWVW (Mammal) back when synths weren’t re-cool yet. Awesome LP if you can find it 😉

]]> 8bff234a6d2bb1e780e0395aa8835562 syntholabo replied to the topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1800/ Wed, 25 Sep 2019 11:21:19 +0100 Yes- that is the type of caul that I am installing into the arbor press.It has an 8mm shank.I’ve heard people curse their installing this into their lovely drill press. Seems doable, but do you love your tools? 

]]> fba63cc2b88ecc87a412b3c2f198bc3e syntholabo replied to the topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1797/ Wed, 25 Sep 2019 09:52:54 +0100 aw thanks man- I’ve always had a vision of this ghostly guitar, and now I have the tools and materials!All credit to Mark for inspiration and guidance. I built my first BYO Bailey in 2005… so that’s a good while…   Read more»

]]> cf49b5219de8ec67766f16986e330f88 syntholabo replied to the topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1790/ Tue, 24 Sep 2019 20:44:31 +0100 Posted by: @markbailey 2- I’ve ordered an arbor press to do the frets… throat capacity is 117mm. Can I fret the neck with fingerboard glued on? I’m not sure how I would position the fingerboard once frets are in. You…   Read more»

]]> 374879f419077f18bd7249547a78d9e0 syntholabo replied to the topic "you can never have too many clamps for a First Build." - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1788/ Tue, 24 Sep 2019 18:15:48 +0100 Maybe I should’ve tried a floppy rule in stead of my posh steel straight guy.. might have convinced myself i waz bang on.“Being wrong is an important part of being right”Yours truly

]]> a83ca792632097632df0b5f7eb21dd5d syntholabo replied to the topic "you can never have too many clamps for a First Build." - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1786/ Tue, 24 Sep 2019 17:55:30 +0100 @jonathan-aucklandThanks… so glad it wasn’t a breeze for you ;)I meant more this damn bridge clearance. Somehow on mine (see Roseline post), I’ve ended up with the rosette part of the upper bout soundhole lifting my straightedge up to over…   Read more»

]]> d4922e281c77c1af0f16ff98c62b582f syntholabo replied to the topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1774/ Tue, 24 Sep 2019 14:22:51 +0100 Twang! Awesome.Can you tell me what you think of these grubby black marks on the lacewood sides? Seems to be part of the wood, but looks like it’s been down’t’pit.  

]]> e338633dd6e1e5996cfbd07152196d0b syntholabo replied to the topic "you can never have too many clamps for a First Build." - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1752/ Mon, 23 Sep 2019 19:51:04 +0100 Thanks for pics. Go Bailey progeny!Can you tell me how your neck angle turned out? Mine was frustrating. 

]]> b5811e5ac994f128f53ccf903231b6c2 syntholabo replied to the topic "I don't care what the plan says" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1751/ Mon, 23 Sep 2019 19:46:36 +0100 hashtag pythagorean monochord

]]> a56446688e639c88b2890ed6798082c1 syntholabo replied to the topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1731/ Sun, 22 Sep 2019 19:16:24 +0100

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Flushed maple binding. I’m so pleased with my home made router holder- I recommend this massive saving to any budgeters out there 🙂

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Now… this bridge blank is 10,55mm thick. It just nips the square…[Read more]

]]> b7f67accf6521d22f479e59fab92c26a syntholabo replied to the topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1727/ Sat, 21 Sep 2019 10:29:07 +0100 1- I’m redoing my barrel nut holes with some plugs to get a better aligned anchor for the bolts. Made a wee jig to hold the neck in the drill press for these scary 10mm holes. Will re-assess bridge clearance…   Read more»

]]> 4fda60bd6c8af148afb2ab8ef74eb3fa syntholabo replied to the topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1716/ Thu, 19 Sep 2019 15:47:06 +0100 How funny. remember when I showed up for my BYO number 4 in 2005, and wanted a Macaferri…. you were like… nah man that’s not how we make an acoustic flattop bridge.IRONY

]]> d4c282742f63234c2fb703134b7616c6 syntholabo replied to the topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1714/ Thu, 19 Sep 2019 14:46:45 +0100 There is this horrible feeling of quickly devaluing the worth of one’s bit of wood with every ever-escalating disaster potential. I don’t like it!I have made a f*ck*ng pig’s ear of getting my neck bolted on yesterday… you make it…   Read more»

]]> 12b276e082bf8c95816dd5ca26592b12 syntholabo replied to the topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1695/ Mon, 16 Sep 2019 19:08:46 +0100

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Binding on.You can see on the side profile picture that the heel block to soundboard angle is slightly back set.Guess somewhere between gluing the heel and arching the X-braces, I let the ball slip 🙁

]]> 8b3bf85683a892f2b745aae776a3617f syntholabo replied to the topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1687/ Sun, 15 Sep 2019 21:14:38 +0100 I think I should prioritise getting the neck and soundboard flat, given that my fingerboard is only 5.55mm thick.Nothing I have done with sanding the upper bout area on the soundboard has affected the bridge clearance- getting a reading under…   Read more»

]]> 688ac09eb1691520fae6f0c593715900 syntholabo replied to the topic "Cut away problem" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1671/ Fri, 13 Sep 2019 11:13:36 +0100 That’s a funny one! How did that get past the design stage?Cutaway fingerboard… a world first!

]]> 19020edd54620357df77211c4a0d83ce syntholabo replied to the topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1667/ Fri, 13 Sep 2019 08:26:53 +0100 No confusion Master- just hard reality of shapes!Heel block was glued square to soundboard on flat workboard, using cam clamps.I have the appropriate step in the soundboard, and a good gentle arch in top.It is all as is intended right…   Read more»

]]> 3e1849fe4a3e86d0f3fb0fe7deafa411 syntholabo replied to the topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1658/ Thu, 12 Sep 2019 11:06:38 +0100 Crappy digital technology I’m afraid.This 2mm clearance- I would say- is not physically achievable, in the land of material science! The soundboard arching will always be in the way.Leaving a bigger step at the body-neck junction just causes the bridge…   Read more»

]]> babe88357634408cb1c364747e129f86 syntholabo replied to the topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1643/ Tue, 10 Sep 2019 20:54:39 +0100

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]]> bc5c1591b9187054bd48c18070882a71 syntholabo replied to the topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1641/ Tue, 10 Sep 2019 20:48:43 +0100

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Trimmed mortice slot

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R O S E L I N E 

]]> 4277b7fc29258a255f400ec7a9b3156f syntholabo replied to the topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1640/ Tue, 10 Sep 2019 20:44:09 +0100

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Trimming the plates on the recycled upside down manual drill press.I needed a router collet extension to reach low enough on my jig.

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Craddle for assembled body fixed with steel holdfasts to bench.Routed tailpiece channel

]]> bf58c660c49cc2d1e3321adccddbd147 syntholabo replied to the topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1602/ Sun, 08 Sep 2019 21:33:44 +0100

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]]> 7ade549f576068b6a477e8256745f756 syntholabo replied to the topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1601/ Sun, 08 Sep 2019 21:28:50 +0100

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Roped up, Heal block gap closed as best as possible. Wish I’d left a bit more sticking up, as I couldn’t sand all of it.

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I guess this red transformation is due to the hide glue on the X-brace, impregnating the PVA…   Read more»

]]> bc8f595223fe26826cb8b174552419b4 syntholabo replied to the topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1565/ Wed, 04 Sep 2019 19:46:05 +0100 Final assembly

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]]> 458a3ea5944702e2ddb5e3914392a2df syntholabo replied to the topic "Gloucestershire Bandsman" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1546/ Sun, 01 Sep 2019 17:24:18 +0100 TITAN to the rescue! How do they do it?

]]> e85aebee2e6a97c2c2947aac22e239e6 syntholabo replied to the topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1545/ Sun, 01 Sep 2019 17:22:57 +0100

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That took bloomin’ ages! So much longer than I remember with my maple sides from the B.Y.O. number 4.Was at it for almost three hours, with the iron sizzling. The waist is so difficult to persuade round the bend.

]]> 82f1db6629898f92ef8b0d478bf99e48 syntholabo replied to the topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1533/ Sat, 31 Aug 2019 10:31:46 +0100 Cheers. Meant to say too that it is a 19″ body based on a small 1950’s Gibson with this beautiful shape.Couple of areas of novice mistakes however- one of my back braces must not have been flat on the arch,…   Read more»

]]> 0684a2c85680e09ecf5c96dba33c13da syntholabo posted a new topic "Roseline build progress" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1519/ Thu, 29 Aug 2019 22:23:21 +0100 Well on the way now. Roseline (of Roslin) guitars lives!Thanks to team Bailey for holding my hand via all the amazing videos and attention to communications. Scarf jointed maple neck and truss rod assembly:

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Maple gymnasium floorboard rosette with BW binding:

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<…

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]]> b2f46ec86e326952c9b0c8fc3063fade syntholabo replied to the topic "DIY Drum Sander" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1518/ Thu, 29 Aug 2019 22:13:15 +0100 That’s amazing man!You know you can sell those for 1.5k;)

]]> f8b5ead5a58f23aa91fe50b086df0a6a syntholabo replied to the topic "Heel Block materials" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1448/ Tue, 13 Aug 2019 23:10:19 +0100 W I S D O M 

]]> 90ede40da3f8a232a24aefb31cf9d5b5 syntholabo replied to the topic "Bone for vegans" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1443/ Tue, 13 Aug 2019 13:41:20 +0100 Great. Antler Anthrax sounds nice. The band? 😮 I did see the fat busting procedure for butcher cow bone. Didn’t think it would be so bad for antlers. Jerry Rosa never mentioned it for his.I kinda like the discolouration imperfections, but…   Read more»

]]> 9c252ff069563b118d673eb266af14cf syntholabo replied to the topic "Heel Block materials" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1442/ Tue, 13 Aug 2019 13:36:56 +0100 Yup. ThanksThink the Alder slab is OK to mill up? 

]]> 357456e002332cac5ed619c71aa52410 syntholabo posted a new topic "Heel Block materials" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1437/ Tue, 13 Aug 2019 11:10:17 +0100

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This might be a stupid question but should I abandon this heel block, on account of the cracked knot you can see on the pictured face?

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I have this block of what I think is Alder, but it’s difficult to read…   Read more»

]]> 25bdb629074c832228c98e4f3387cc30 syntholabo replied to the topic "Bone for vegans" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1433/ Sun, 11 Aug 2019 23:31:22 +0100 Thanks John,I love Jerry Rosa- been devouring his repair videos, and of course I seen his mandolin antler saddles :)The idea of hemp particle board for a top sounds like an IKEA guitar… Go on and try it for sure!

]]> 7279eb0b7285c1c18ac87be9e3d71490 syntholabo posted a new topic "Bone for vegans" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1427/ Sun, 11 Aug 2019 21:03:54 +0100 Has anyone got any comments or advice on turning antlers into saddles and nuts?I can bring myself to salvage such materials from the wilderness. Or ebay.

]]> 7d17b01d1d74ae28756aa21f2082b73a syntholabo replied to the topic "Rosettes" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/1404/ Tue, 06 Aug 2019 21:15:45 +0100 Hey Mark, did you ever do a video for custom rosettes with the Dremmel jig?I cannat find it

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