After the ribs are pressed into shape and the head and tail blocks glued in, the kerfing is applied.

Kerfing is used to give support to the ribs when the top and back are glued on. The ribs being 1/8" thick do not give a lot of surface area to provide a strong bond to. Meanwhile, the tops and backs are having the braces glued on. The braces are used to provide strength and support to the top and back. Most backs that use braces use a basic standard pattern going across the width.

The top, on the other hand will use an 'X' pattern. Placement of the "wing" braces and bridgeplate is different for the various models. Here we see tops and backs after the braces have been glued in. After the kerfing and braces are glued in, tops, backs and ribs are matched up.

Body Build

Here we see the ribs matched up with the tops and backs waiting to be glued together.

After the kerfing is glued in, and the braces glued on, the complete body is then glued together.

On top of the bench, you can see one in the press being held together. Below the bench, you can see the bodies after they have been glued together.

Binding

After the body has been glued together, the excess from the top and back are trimmed off and a groove is cut for the binding. Here we see the binding being glued in. The tape is used to hold the binding in place while the glue dries.

Here we see one body that is ready for binding, and one with the binding being glued on.

The binding serves only as a cosmetic feature to make the joints between the top, back and ribs look pleasing to the eye. Although different models use different binding, they are all glued in the same way. After the binding is glued on, the excess glue is removed and the body goes to body sand. Here, the body is prepared to be neck-fitted. Any flaws in the binding or rosette, are repaired and the wood is sanded smooth.

The last thing we see, are the bodies awaiting to be neck-fitted.