Official Luthiers Forum!

I understand the need to glue the bridge to wood surface. No problem there...but I have an arm rest I want to attach to the top (classical) so it matches the side curve exactly and doesn't leave a finish line joint. Should I dare glue it to the top and spray the finish with it attached???.....or put on the finish and attempt to make the joint along the side match without a finish seam along the binding where it will attach. If there is a seam after gluing...how do I fill it to make a smooth joint with the guitar and the armrest prefinished.
I'm just about ready to put a finish on my first guitar. Freaky Scared!
I'd send a picture...only this old man has limited Computer knowledge and I've already spent 20 minutes getting no where trying.
Kent Bailey
www.kabart.com

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Wood Creations by Kent A. Bailey
EXCELLENCE IN SCULPTURE, CARVING, LUTHIER, ARCHITECTURAL MILLWORK AND DESIGN

http://www.kabart.com

I'm a little confused.

Most builders create a beveled "Laskin style" armrest that functions as a seamless part of the binding. (Inlay artist/ luthier Grit Laskin is credited with inventing the feature.) The armrest is not really "attached to the top." It's glued into a routed/chiseled cavity. Most beveled armrests are shaped, then glued in, then shaped more. Avoiding seams in the finish involves the same prep work as on any other part of the guitar. But you seem to be talking about something else?

"Should I dare glue it to the top and spray the finish with it attached???.....or put on the finish and attempt to make the joint along the side match without a finish seam along the binding where it will attach. If there is a seam after gluing...how do I fill it to make a smooth joint with the guitar and the armrest prefinished."

I'm having trouble imagining an armrest that one would attach to the top (as opposed glue into a cavity) and then finish over. Some kind of picture of what you're talking about would help... Perhaps you can find a picture of what you have in mind and provide a link?

Oh, and if you're trying a Laskin armrest on your 1st, you have my respect. That's bravery!

Best,

Flori

The only guitar I can find with a similar armrest is on the site below:


http://www.mangore.com/special-requests.html

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Wood Creations by Kent A. Bailey
EXCELLENCE IN SCULPTURE, CARVING, LUTHIER, ARCHITECTURAL MILLWORK AND DESIGN

http://www.kabart.com

Kent,

Thanks for the photo. His looks detachable. When I clicked on the photo, it brought up another page, showing the guitar without the armrest.

As for what to do, hopefully a classical builder will be along soon. Personally, I would finish the guitar and armrest separately. I also don't think I would glue an armrest like that down. I'd rather find a way for it to rest on the side/edge and not on the top.

Best,

Flori

I have been wrestling with the same question. I still haven't settled on a decision that I am committing to.

Making a removable arm rest has certain criteria, but making a permanent one allows for other options.

I have avoided that issue on a current build by making a wedge body shape.

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Expectation is the source of all misery; comparison the thief of joy.
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