Top and bottom and clamps

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El Burdo

Posts: 632
Joined: Sep. 8 2011

Top and bottom and clamps

Hi everyone

I have two (more) questions:

Is there a reason why flamenco makers seem to choose what I learned this morning are called Go-bars to hold the fan struts down? In the past I just followed Irving Sloane and used clamps. If it is to be recommended is there a construction guide I should follow to assemble/make the set-up? (I can't really afford any more books). It's not to do with the game is it?

Two, I am planning to use what I think are termed guitar makers clamps that I made for my last attempt years ago to attach the base to the guitar. But I've forgotten how I attached the top. I can't see that there will be enough purchase to use the clamps so should I use elastic bands for the top or could I still use the clamps?

Thanks. I'm grateful for your help and experience so I have amended my signature accordingly.

Jeff.

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Hello I'm a beginner. Please don't hurt me.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 25 2011 12:49:25

El Burdo

Posts: 632
Joined: Sep. 8 2011

RE: Top and bottom and clamps (in reply to El Burdo)

Goddamit! I've now found the thread that hid until I posted mine. Sorry, sorry. I love the picture Anders. I think I know what to do, though maybe not why.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 25 2011 12:55:22

estebanana

Posts: 9352
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: Top and bottom and clamps (in reply to El Burdo)

Can you afford some cord?

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https://www.stephenfaulkguitars.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 25 2011 22:36:19

michaeljking

Posts: 5
Joined: Jul. 23 2010

RE: Top and bottom and clamps (in reply to El Burdo)

Stephen what cord is that? does it need to be elastic or firm? I would like to try this

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 26 2011 9:21:25

El Burdo

Posts: 632
Joined: Sep. 8 2011

RE: Top and bottom and clamps (in reply to estebanana)

I could. Is that method preferable to using clamps? I guess that method would be fine when the back is attached, but could bend the sides if used for attaching the top?

Thanks.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 26 2011 14:21:32

Stephen Eden

Posts: 914
Joined: Apr. 12 2008
From: UK

RE: Top and bottom and clamps (in reply to El Burdo)

hey burdo,

what method of construction are you using? If you are using the spanish method, the guitar is assemble face down and no clamps are used to attach the front.

I clamp the front in place to the mold through the sound hole. then glue the neck down. then add the sides and bottom block then the peones. after that I shape the sides and add the linings ready to take the back. I use one radius over all for the back and use the dish that creates that radius to glue the back on. only then does it come out of the mold. hope that helps.

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Classical and Flamenco Guitars www.EdenGuitars.co.uk

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 26 2011 15:14:25

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: Top and bottom and clamps (in reply to El Burdo)

Here you have the way I glue the back. The guitar still in the jig in order to control neck angle. I´m using a car inner tube cut up with scissors. Simple and cheap.

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Blog: http://news-from-the-workshop.blogspot.com/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 26 2011 16:33:20

Jeff Highland

Posts: 401
Joined: Mar. 5 2010
From: Caves Beach Australia

RE: Top and bottom and clamps (in reply to El Burdo)

I attach the back face down in the solera like anders but using shorter go bars rather than the rubber straps.
I use a protective mdf plate over the back ( segmented and taped together for flexibility)

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 26 2011 23:22:02

estebanana

Posts: 9352
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: Top and bottom and clamps (in reply to michaeljking)

quote:

Stephen what cord is that? does it need to be elastic or firm? I would like to try this

That picture of mine is the gluing binding with cord, but I use the same process when the guitar is in the solera to set the neck angle.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 27 2011 3:53:46

El Burdo

Posts: 632
Joined: Sep. 8 2011

RE: Top and bottom and clamps (in reply to Stephen Eden)

Hi SEden - tbh I'm only doing my third guitar and with a gap of some 10 years so I'm following my notes and a couple of books. The comments here are fantastic and so helpful. I think I did use the method you describe but rather than the type of solera I see on this site, and elsewhere, I made a table with a sculpted mdf board for the tapa and heavy sides that locked to the shape of the sides. I only recall using the violin clamps to hold the back on.
We'll see. Thanks though, very helpful.

Jeff.

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Hello I'm a beginner. Please don't hurt me.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 6 2011 21:24:48

El Burdo

Posts: 632
Joined: Sep. 8 2011

RE: Top and bottom and clamps (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

Hi Anders

Most importantly, that looks a very interesting method. I shall try it when I get a workshop (one day, sigh). Have you used clamps? Is there a reason why they don't seem to be popular? I admit, I was told (taught) to use clamps when I made a classical guitar and I'm assuming the methodology remains OK.

Much less importantly, is that a 'flamenco chair' in the background there? The blue one? I've been looking all over the UK for a good solid turned tall back, hemp seated, two course be-runged chair for playing. The nearest I can get are some paltry restaurant chairs and, like brown shoes, they don't make it. The Pena Flamenca in Cadiz is squirming with them so the next time I'm coming through customs, I may find myself explaining that I came into Spain with the chair so it doesn't constitute a purchase, for tax purposes.

Jeff.

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Hello I'm a beginner. Please don't hurt me.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 6 2011 21:37:32