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Here are some pics of classical rosettes being made in a masterclass being taught by Bill Nesse.

Very pretty. I would love to learn how to make all that at some point. Time for more video tutorials Robbie! Mostly I want to know how to make the veneer used in the little tiles.

Here you go, Matt!

http://www.connorguitars.com/links_tips/rosettes.html

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Oh thanks Waddy. Hmm I wonder if its possible to saw the 'planks' without a bandsaw..... ahh well, something to remember for the future I guess!

Yes it's possible, but you'd probably have to make yourself a miter box that would hold the little logs for you and keep the saw straight. A Japanese pull saw would be good for that task. Very thin kerf, and very clean cut.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Making rosettes in the Spanish style is not as hard as it looks, but it is a lot of work! As far asi'm concerned, it's something that all classical guitar makers should know how to do, even if they don't do it themselves all the time. It's not easy to get paid for all the time it takes, but it is, after all, one of the few places a builder gets to be 'artistic', given the contraints of the usual classical guitar design. It's place to express yourself, and make something individual, so why would you leave it to somebody else?

Well said Alan!

I can't imagine my guitar without my hand made rosette!!!

Yep, the things we do. . .
Many years ago I came up with a design, using graph paper and coloured pencils. I say colour but it only involved 3 different woods. Each tile though was around 25 X 25, fairly involved as these things go. It looked good on paper but after I'd done all the hard work and assembled the rosette I was far from happy. It appeared too flat and lifeless. There had to be a better combination of wood. I tried that scheme 6 or 7 times more before giving up. Probably 3 months work in total!
I then moved over to a simple side grain rosette set in mastic. Not the most adventurous but I guess it 'works'.
I'm not finished on that end grain rosette yet though, just taking a rest.

Quick question, when making the tiles, are they actually square/rectangular or do you cut a radial angle on the sides so the match up well when assembled in the rosette channel? Hope that question is understandable.

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

There's more than one way to do it, but essentially they should be shaped radially. I shape mine with a scraper in log form before cutting into tiles. Much easier. I do, sometimes, have to adjust with a bit of sandpaper in tile form for a better fit.

_________________
Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Thanks Waddy

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

As Alan said, its not really all that had to make the rosette, but as Michael indicated, it IS hard to make one that really looks good and you're happy with.

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Expectation is the source of all misery; comparison the thief of joy.
http://redrivercanoe.ca/

I slice mine rectangular in cross section then adjust by cutting with an Exacto knife as I assemble.
The spacers are pre cut in a wedge shape.