( 213 ) 4-Jan-2016
We are using zither pins, which are difficult to tune exactly, to tune the sympathetic strings. To fine tune the strings we are introducing a set of 4-40 bolts that will push on the strings and increase and decrease the tension. This pictures shows drilling the holes in the brace that will hold the the bolts.
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Tapping each hole.
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The zither pins and the fine tuning braces.
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This picture shows the cross brace that directs the sympathetic strings under the top, and the brace structure that will hold the tuning mechanisms.
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I fashioned a special bracket to hold the cross braces.
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And installed a set of removable brackets so I can remove the braces if necessary.
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I install the brackets with pins to prevent creep.
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And an oak dowel to hold the brackets parallel.
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The tuning mechanism with everything installed.
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Now I have aligned the top with the rim, getting ready to glue it in place.
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After glue is applied to the rim, the compression flange is tightened down.
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A tolerance lip is left.
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I use a small router to remove the lip.
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To create the "Hiddy" wings in the heel channel, I take advantage of the slope in the channel to guide the router.
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After the lip has been removed.
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And a look at the wings. These wings slip under the cantilevered section of the fretboard and hide the gap that is at the interface.
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Next I set up a template to route out the cantilevered fretboard support plate.
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Here I am positioning the cross brace that hold the guides that directs the sympathetic strings under the top.
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This mechanism needs to be positioned so that nothing touches the top preventing the top from freely vibrating.
You might notice that I have changed the brace that penetrates the top. I did this to eliminate the possibility that a string would slip off in the middle.
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Once I was satisfied I glued the brace in place.
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Now back to the neck. Here I am using the CNC tool to route out the head stock.
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I outlined the headstock, routed out the string slots, created the slots for the sympathetic strings, and routed out the channel for the signature rose all at one time. This makes sure everything is positioned correctly.
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Before I button up the back of the guitar, I want to put everything together to make sure the sympathetic strings will line up properly without any interferences.
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The fine tuning mechanism works by pushing on the strings with the polished tips of 12 4-40 bolts. To prevent the strings from slipping off of the tips I fashioned a guide block for the strings to make sure they stay put.
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Here is a picture of the tuning mechanism access port.
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I drill the holes for the nylon string tuning machines 35 mm center to center.
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Here is the headstock with the tuning machines installed.
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Now, to put everything together.
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Looking like a guitar.
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I have installed a bone saddle on the top brace in the sympathetic string tuning mechanism.
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And here I am fashioning a nut for the sympathetic strings. This nut will be under the main nut and will be independent of it.
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First string, first note. Everything lines up! Hurray!