How To Build an Acoustic Guitar. Episode 10 (Making an Arm Bevel, Part 1)

Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль

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In this video, Chris begins his process for adding an arm bevel to the 3,000 year old guitar.
Interested in owning some of the tools used in the video? Check 'em out in the links below!
Luthier's Digital Caliper: stewmac.sjv.io/DVzbko
Wood Chisels: stewmac.sjv.io/gbkA02
Acoustic Guitar Kit Clamp Set: stewmac.sjv.io/5bPMv3

Пікірлер: 126

  • @austinclark2378
    @austinclark23782 жыл бұрын

    How I remember convex vs concave, if the radius goes inward like a cave, it's concave. Thanks 8th grade science teacher!

  • @quarlmephystodot2201

    @quarlmephystodot2201

    2 жыл бұрын

    in math, it is the opposite (sry to ruin it)

  • @quarlmephystodot2201

    @quarlmephystodot2201

    2 жыл бұрын

    @Nathan Something my ass. not on a graph

  • @walterrider9600
    @walterrider96002 жыл бұрын

    thank you Chris and Mat

  • @jipes
    @jipes2 жыл бұрын

    Wonderful work

  • @arcarioandsons
    @arcarioandsons2 жыл бұрын

    You're a great teacher, thank you for making all these videos!

  • @jeffpeterson8522
    @jeffpeterson85222 жыл бұрын

    I love how you mix old world techniques and craftsmanship with new technologies such as the lamination of the sides by vacuum bagging and the CNC machine. So incredibly cool! The arm bevel is something I’d never seen.

  • @johnp6269
    @johnp6269 Жыл бұрын

    Awsome work, my heart dropped when ya went at the side of the guitar with a sander!

  • @fiddlix
    @fiddlix2 жыл бұрын

    Your guitars are beyond impressive.

  • @Wilmx
    @Wilmx2 жыл бұрын

    Really interested in seeing how the arm bevel gets made! It’s something I’ve always wanted to try.

  • @CMRWoodworks
    @CMRWoodworks2 жыл бұрын

    Loving the series man. After I finish my first guitar I plan on doing an arm bevel in the next one. Good info here, thanks!

  • @gavinhutton8455
    @gavinhutton84552 жыл бұрын

    congratz on the achievement.

  • @Apillicus
    @Apillicus2 жыл бұрын

    I'm really glad you're doing the bevel. I want to do one and didn't know where to start. Also you're correct, it's a convex plane

  • @craftycub
    @craftycub5 ай бұрын

    Awesome job! I hope to do a arm bevel in my next guitar build

  • @dalgguitars
    @dalgguitars2 жыл бұрын

    thank you for your videos!

  • @3GCMusic
    @3GCMusic2 жыл бұрын

    Dude, I’m legit loving these videos! I’ve been watching all weekend! I’m bored with building electric guitars and want to tackle an acoustic. These are the perfect roadmap for me! Cheers, my dude!

  • @DriftwoodGuitars

    @DriftwoodGuitars

    2 жыл бұрын

    Give it a go! You’ll love it.

  • @stephen3073
    @stephen30732 жыл бұрын

    Holy carp! You were at 14K subscribers just a few days ago-- but now you're up to 15K!!! I would say you guys have hit a rich vein of ore here! Pretty soon you'll be the top rated Luthier channel!

  • @stephen3073
    @stephen30732 жыл бұрын

    Chris and Matt, one of the best things about your explosive channel is that the folks who reply to your videos are some of the damn-smartest people on the internet! They have an uncommonly high level of literacy, and many of them have a lot of shop acumen and craft wisdom. You guys attract a pretty awesome crowd.

  • @DriftwoodGuitars

    @DriftwoodGuitars

    2 жыл бұрын

    I agree with that! A lot smarter people than us in the audience most of the time. Keeps us on our toes, and we’re learning as much as we’re teaching. It’s a beautiful thing.

  • @stephen3073

    @stephen3073

    2 жыл бұрын

    Man, I’m addicted to your channel because you guys are the true article. , And I get a kick out of finding out that we arrived at the exact same solutions to lutherie conundrums, via independent thought. We Luther, therefore we invent! And then it explodes further, into never-ending webs of design.

  • @DriftwoodGuitars

    @DriftwoodGuitars

    2 жыл бұрын

    100% create or die

  • @scottakam
    @scottakam2 жыл бұрын

    Arm bevels on acoustics are cool! Looks much more involved than hogging away at an electric guitar body with a rasp/sander.

  • @RhettShull
    @RhettShull2 жыл бұрын

    First

  • @DriftwoodMatt

    @DriftwoodMatt

    2 жыл бұрын

    You win! Hahaha

  • @roosky203

    @roosky203

    2 жыл бұрын

    Cheater

  • @Tetsaraku

    @Tetsaraku

    2 жыл бұрын

    I call faul play! You must have been tipped off well in advance...

  • @christopher-miles

    @christopher-miles

    2 жыл бұрын

    ha. ha. ha.

  • @docdoc

    @docdoc

    2 жыл бұрын

    So when do we get to hear about your tidalcaster ?

  • @davidjennings9253
    @davidjennings92532 жыл бұрын

    Guys that is a convex plane!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have never considered laminated sides but I do appreciate the strength, cos boy you are brutal!!

  • @DriftwoodGuitars

    @DriftwoodGuitars

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks haha!

  • @FirstDonkie
    @FirstDonkie Жыл бұрын

    I'm blowing through your videos, just because I love the craftmanship. Tip for a print on the t-shirts: let me do that real quick. 😉

  • @russellscott1151
    @russellscott11512 жыл бұрын

    I’m loving the series Chris, thank you very much. I’ve been thinking about adding an arm bevel on my next guitars and definitely going to give the laminated sides a go. Looking forward to the rest. One question, how does the arm bevel effect the sound?

  • @terrycolletti6793
    @terrycolletti67932 жыл бұрын

    Just like any artist that is amazing at what they do Chris sure does make this look easy. LOL

  • @geamax1
    @geamax12 жыл бұрын

    Genius

  • @LiveMusicCT
    @LiveMusicCT2 жыл бұрын

    Why doesn’t KZread have a double thumbs up 👍 or 🤘.? Lovin all you tutelage! Thank you

  • @ShaneDavisDFTBA
    @ShaneDavisDFTBA2 жыл бұрын

    That crashing sound scared the shit out of me!

  • @JaiDee1991
    @JaiDee19912 жыл бұрын

    Thank God for Tips Guitar 🙏 / God Bless You ✨/ 🔨🇹🇭

  • @mattfleming2287
    @mattfleming22872 жыл бұрын

    That’s going to be gorgeous! Your explanations make sense, BTW, even to us simple guitar players. Matt’s editing is excellent. He really brings out your sense of humor, which makes these videos so fun. I really enjoy binging this build but, Chris, I’m getting tired. Tired of seeing the same thing every video. But I won’t stop UNTIL YOU PUT ON A DUST MASK WHEN YOU SAND. I’ll stop that for now…but I will check every recent video and will begin to comment until you do. You know that dust is deadly…..

  • @DriftwoodGuitars

    @DriftwoodGuitars

    2 жыл бұрын

    You're going to be commenting a lot then haha. I cant talk and wear a mask at the same time. Plus we have really good dust extraction setup in the shop.

  • @bradleybuzard5931
    @bradleybuzard59312 жыл бұрын

    I'm not qualified to comment, so I'll just add applause, for the project and the craftsmen!

  • @dogboyy2k12
    @dogboyy2k122 жыл бұрын

    your channel is going to go large...

  • @blakedavis9119
    @blakedavis91192 жыл бұрын

    Thaaaats an expensive arm bevel. Looking good and thanks again for all the insight.

  • @animes2k
    @animes2k2 жыл бұрын

    I'm not sure if you've addressed this before, but Prevailing Internet Wisdom™ seems to say "all solid all the time" is the way to go for acoustics. Obviously, you build the sides laminated, so I was wondering what your thoughts are around the laminated sides and back discussion. Obviously, the solid top is a given that's been thoroughly addressed. Love the series! Thanks so much.

  • @bigjimbo820

    @bigjimbo820

    2 жыл бұрын

    I believe he mentioned it previously. The sides are still solid on the outside, however laminated wood is added to the inside layer to give it added strength. I believe the idea is to have no movement on the sides which then allows the solid top and back to vibrate within a solid substance and give more sustain.

  • @picksalot1
    @picksalot12 жыл бұрын

    I definitely like the comfort bevels on guitars. I've tried the John Pearse Arm Rests, and those work, but they essentially make the body wider at the forearm area, and that ends up being uncomfortable on normal width guitars, unless you have very long arms. Have you considered using the "Manzer Bevel," as it seems to combine many advantages without losing any soundboard real estate?

  • @nomaed
    @nomaed2 жыл бұрын

    Loving this build. Just one note, you misspoke about 25.4mm (1”) being 25 and a quarter, while .4 would be four tenth, a quarter would be .25mm

  • @nolimitsldr

    @nolimitsldr

    2 жыл бұрын

    If you’re point anything of a mm then you have a digital caliber and can definitely figure that one out. Haha

  • @chemmii
    @chemmii2 жыл бұрын

    My father, who taught me my/his trade of furniture finishing and repair answered a question I had after around the two year mark of my 5 year apprenticeship, which was " Dad, when will I know when I have become a journey man finisher ?" Though I didn't really know at the time what he really meant, in due time it was simple to understand. His answer to me was... "Son, When your to the point where you can feel with your eyes and see with your hands, " then you will know that you have reached that point.." It was about 6 years later and out on my own, that this finally was realized by me. " perfect " preparation of the surfaces to be finished, can only provide a flawless end product.!! Be it a guitar, A grand piano, or a museum piece of Louis the 14th or an average dining set... If the preparation is given it's full attention, your finishing work will be impeccable.!! My greatest compliments really did not come from my clients, but from other peers in my trade, when your peers are in awe of your work, their is no higher praise a tradesman/artist can get.!! Continued success with your endeavors Chris, it's fun to watch you.LOL

  • @larscw74
    @larscw742 жыл бұрын

    I had been looking forward to this part. I have seen some people use these beautiful veneers on the bevel. When I see those I just wonder how long it would take to wear those off.

  • @stephen3073

    @stephen3073

    2 жыл бұрын

    EXACTLY TRUE. Thank you Lars.

  • @billmumbo2697
    @billmumbo26972 жыл бұрын

    It's seems to be taking ten thousand episodes lol 👍👍 interesting though I'll stick it out. (Unless the weather gets cold then I'll put it away again!).

  • @jennifer6833
    @jennifer68332 жыл бұрын

    Have you guys thought about adding curve (similar to an arm bevel on a acoustic guitar) on your Tidalcaster for the arm area (like a Stratocaster)? Or to have it as an option? I’ve been loving your KZread channel adventure since the beginning, it’s so neat to see you guys grow and evolve (both as people and a KZread channel).

  • @DriftwoodGuitars

    @DriftwoodGuitars

    2 жыл бұрын

    We have bevels on the back of the Tidalcaster, but because we have a bound too on it, as well as a drop top, it’s not really doable on the front.

  • @gmac9667
    @gmac96672 жыл бұрын

    Yeah, I think I'll leave it to you. Thanks for the tips though.

  • @HarmonieZvuku-harfy-kalimby
    @HarmonieZvuku-harfy-kalimby Жыл бұрын

    Hi there! Great series. I told myself that I have to watch it whole as a study :) I already see smart trick with sand paper and spring steel. What thickness works good? 0.5mm? Thanks, Tomas (many kinds of instruments maker just except guitars =D)

  • @barrychristian4050
    @barrychristian40502 жыл бұрын

    Just a thought, would it not be easier to. Round over the bottom of the block after a dry fit, then glue it in?

  • @brianfort5686
    @brianfort56862 жыл бұрын

    Hi Chris….. I’m assuming that you don’t want to use the mold to finalize the bevel blank radius(s)??? Would the guitar side thickness affect the radius(shape/ curves) on the inside compared to the outside? I’m thinking it would be!

  • @thatdiyguyraymondmonk1225
    @thatdiyguyraymondmonk1225 Жыл бұрын

    Maybe I’m thinking wrong here, but I would have cut a channel the depth of the sides, so I would have originally drawn my shape to the outside of the body for a more natural transition.. a bit more work, but more pleasing to the eye.

  • @christopher-miles
    @christopher-miles2 жыл бұрын

    ...it's 14.9k subscribers to be exact. LOL! congrats

  • @unskilled_worker
    @unskilled_worker5 күн бұрын

    If you use vacuum bag for veneer whats stops you from making a gradual curved bevel?

  • @rauschguitars
    @rauschguitars2 жыл бұрын

    I can only imagine how naughty it feels to take the chisel to the side! It looks brutal! Have you ever tried a spokeshave? I think it would work well for that job.

  • @stephen3073

    @stephen3073

    2 жыл бұрын

    I use a Veritas low-angle spokeshave for establishing the bevel on the sides. It's perfect for this job. Custom shaped sanding blocks finish it off.

  • @sirtoiletwine

    @sirtoiletwine

    2 жыл бұрын

    why not a coping saw and refine with files?

  • @hartleyshandcrafted
    @hartleyshandcrafted2 жыл бұрын

    DIGITAL calipers yes. But dont worry, micrometer does sound more accurate. even if its not apparently....

  • @ranman58635
    @ranman586352 жыл бұрын

    Im a time traveler am I'm here to tell you that you are a dork. Lol 😆 good to see you guy's are keeping it real. Stay small!

  • @DriftwoodGuitars

    @DriftwoodGuitars

    2 жыл бұрын

    We’re sure trying!

  • @ranman58635

    @ranman58635

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@DriftwoodGuitars, what I love about you guys is that you keep it real. The jokes, the laughter, the singing, the confessional's and of course the guitar making. The new camera sure makes it come to life and I feel like I'm right there in the room. I'm still trying to get a read on ya though. I know military for sure but you guy's are not political and not vulgar so I'm guessing simple humble servant's.

  • @DriftwoodGuitars

    @DriftwoodGuitars

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks man! No we just keep all that mess off camera haha. We believe that everyone is inherently good and try to assume the best in people and to present our best and honest self to others. We just try to be good people and to do good in the world.

  • @ranman58635

    @ranman58635

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@DriftwoodGuitars , good stuff. I can respect that. 💯

  • @davidhurry1964
    @davidhurry19642 жыл бұрын

    i would like to know how much one of your driftwood guitar decals

  • @14djfunk
    @14djfunk2 жыл бұрын

    🤔 Was that a subtle vernier poke regarding the digital calipers? If so... agreed 👍

  • @DriftwoodGuitars

    @DriftwoodGuitars

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yup haha

  • @14djfunk

    @14djfunk

    2 жыл бұрын

    Vernier calipers: because who doesn't like a 5min refresher course after you run out of digital caliper batteries 😊

  • @DriftwoodGuitars
    @DriftwoodGuitars2 жыл бұрын

    We now sell hand selected and resawn Tonewoods on our website! Each piece was found by Chris Alvarado, and almost always has a story to go along with it. Go check out the selection at www.driftwoodguitars.com/tonewood

  • @brutalbrutusTV
    @brutalbrutusTV2 жыл бұрын

    I was the 2112th view on this vid...🤘

  • @thenormie
    @thenormie Жыл бұрын

    Pros and cons if one tried to make an acoustic that’s beveled all around?

  • @robsworder
    @robsworder2 жыл бұрын

    Did the bracing take into account the arm bevel, back in part 2/3? Or will you adjust it later?

  • @DriftwoodGuitars

    @DriftwoodGuitars

    2 жыл бұрын

    I partially did, and I adjust it the rest of the way before I glue on the top

  • @quarlmephystodot2201
    @quarlmephystodot22012 жыл бұрын

    this is like they do in sports cars completely unnecessary and overkill but wow does it high-end vibe nice inventions

  • @ja2306
    @ja23062 жыл бұрын

    Wow, the thickness of the kerfing is a lot less than I expected. 😯

  • @DriftwoodGuitars

    @DriftwoodGuitars

    2 жыл бұрын

    With the laminated sides, the merging becomes less important for gluing surface area, hence the thinner pieces.

  • @ja2306

    @ja2306

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@DriftwoodGuitars Very cool! Thanks for the info :D

  • @stephen3073

    @stephen3073

    2 жыл бұрын

    With laminated sides, you have to make your own linings, nice and thin. You glueing surface for the plates doesn't need to be wider than 1/4 if you work clean. Gluing tops and backs to THICK sides can cause too much edge grip onto those vibrating plates. That's building it too heavy. You need a thin gluing surface on the rims, so the top and the back are not all bound up in a thick rim. You just cannot use store-bough linings on a double-sided guitar; you gotta fit the thing to the other thing... That's a GOOD thing.

  • @Skippinghigh-records
    @Skippinghigh-records2 жыл бұрын

    How would you go about doing this with an old guitar that need arm bevel , as well as bevel for upper register neck position?

  • @DriftwoodGuitars

    @DriftwoodGuitars

    2 жыл бұрын

    It cant be added after the fact.

  • @tranquilitybase6417
    @tranquilitybase64172 жыл бұрын

    Isn’t the bevel angle really just an angled plane?

  • @MuchoBuenoGear
    @MuchoBuenoGear2 жыл бұрын

    Dumb question: What camera do you guys use to record your videos? All your camera work is REALLY good!

  • @DriftwoodGuitars

    @DriftwoodGuitars

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks man! We use a Sony a6600 with sigma 16mm 1.4 lens and a DJI Ronin RSC2 gimbal.

  • @dejavoodoo7204
    @dejavoodoo72042 жыл бұрын

    15K subs LETSGO!!!👏 you should be proud, but not your endblock;)

  • @rottalmusik6563
    @rottalmusik65632 жыл бұрын

    Does the Arm bevel affect the sound in any way? How? Love your Videos!

  • @evanpaulsmithfalconfogolin6147

    @evanpaulsmithfalconfogolin6147

    2 жыл бұрын

    Typically raises the resonant frequency slightly due to the top become slightly smaller.

  • @davidedwards7172

    @davidedwards7172

    2 жыл бұрын

    I was pondering the same thing. A classical player will have an armrest so their arm doesn't dampen the top.

  • @gavinhutton8455
    @gavinhutton84552 жыл бұрын

    dont you need to spread the glue after applying it on the bevel block. just a doubt..

  • @petermorello1051
    @petermorello10512 жыл бұрын

    Hi guys. I was wondering how much proud of the sides to sit the arm bevel backing block at the waist and heel block. It looks about 3mm at the heel block and 15mm at the waist? Is this about right?

  • @DriftwoodGuitars

    @DriftwoodGuitars

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yeah that’s about it. No need to be exact. Just enough to be able to sand down during radiusing.

  • @petermorello1051

    @petermorello1051

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@DriftwoodGuitars thanks heaps! I really appreciate it. Keep up the excellent work😄

  • @hueyhoolihan582
    @hueyhoolihan582 Жыл бұрын

    it wouldn't surprise me that IF the arm-bevel becomes common enough, suppliers will be offering pre-cut arm-beveled sides. if so, until such time, i think it might be useful to take piece of tracing paper and lay it on a the side of a guitar with an arm-bevel and trace the side (sans bevel) onto the paper. when laid out flat it will be a template for a side with an arm-bevel and taper already cut to shape. in the meantime, i think i would seek out a mold that would hold the bent guitar sides, with end blocks attached, securely, so to facilitate the chiseling, sanding, planing and general shaping necessary to created an arm-bevel. it should be easily clamped to a workbench at a convient height too.

  • @grkuntzmd
    @grkuntzmd2 жыл бұрын

    "Concave" is shaped like a "cave" - inward.

  • @Catmemegod
    @Catmemegod2 жыл бұрын

    How have I never noticed that he looks like Mac from always sunny…. 😱😳

  • @Tommy-mt2wk
    @Tommy-mt2wk2 жыл бұрын

    cnc made with the press of a key.

  • @DriftwoodGuitars

    @DriftwoodGuitars

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yup!

  • @petermorello1051

    @petermorello1051

    2 жыл бұрын

    Tommy, if you can’t make a guitar as good as chris maybe you shouldn’t make negative comments. Also if you have ever used a cnc, you will know how difficult it is to even do a simple program!!

  • @watchnlearn2731
    @watchnlearn27312 жыл бұрын

    You do t need either sanders there is a better way to do this and get a perfect fit.

  • @davidjennings9253
    @davidjennings92532 жыл бұрын

    Why don't you trim that heel block level right now cos boy it's getting in the way.

  • @josephnorton1996
    @josephnorton19962 жыл бұрын

    I have been gritting my teeth for a month or more about your "micrometer". I'm not that guy to say anything in the comments, but you said something about it. So I will. THANK YOU.

  • @DriftwoodGuitars

    @DriftwoodGuitars

    2 жыл бұрын

    My bad haha

  • @obiwanudonnome814
    @obiwanudonnome8142 жыл бұрын

    Who, like myself, is only here for Matt? (And some guitars, I guess)

  • @DriftwoodGuitars

    @DriftwoodGuitars

    2 жыл бұрын

    Me!

  • @aboveallthingslove6349
    @aboveallthingslove63492 жыл бұрын

    I can't believe you only have 15k. "Tiny Workbench Concerts" nudge, nudge, wink, wink...

  • @PJ-ku5lp
    @PJ-ku5lp11 ай бұрын

    Instead of chiseling out the material, couldn't you just freehand it up against your edge sander? I would think that would be a perfect tool for this, applying a flat angle into a radius.

  • @watchnlearn2731
    @watchnlearn27312 жыл бұрын

    Dude flip your chisel over. Bevel down man. Your killin me

  • @stephen3073
    @stephen30732 жыл бұрын

    Chris and Matt, you should start a Patreon, and then your growing fan base can pitch in and buy you a new bandsaw blade! At the rate your channel's exploding, we ought to be able to get you a carbide tipped resaw blade! Dull bandsaws are not good. Jus' say'n.

  • @DriftwoodGuitars

    @DriftwoodGuitars

    2 жыл бұрын

    We’re setting up that soon.

  • @AncientApparatus
    @AncientApparatus Жыл бұрын

    Is that Bruce Springsteel? 😆

  • @MarkZelfond
    @MarkZelfond2 жыл бұрын

    concave plane is an oxymoron

  • @vtdaodao5471
    @vtdaodao54712 жыл бұрын

    Just my thought, i think their is bit too much of explanation...

  • @automaticearth
    @automaticearth2 жыл бұрын

    Why not round off the bottom of the arm bevel before glueing it in ? That seems like it will be a waking nightmare to do now it’s in. Maybe you’re into that though. I’m not judging…

  • @DriftwoodGuitars

    @DriftwoodGuitars

    2 жыл бұрын

    I wish I could! If you did that, then there wouldn’t be a way to clamp it correctly. It’s a conundrum for sure. So far, no one has come up with a good solution

  • @gr8cash1964
    @gr8cash19642 жыл бұрын

    Yum aerosol cheese… ewwww glue

  • @judih.8754
    @judih.87542 жыл бұрын

    Don't say "skin a cat". It is so not nice, and you seem to be nice. Thanks.

  • @nolimitsldr

    @nolimitsldr

    2 жыл бұрын

    And definitely don’t say “kill two birds with one stone”. Lol. Judi must have a lot of cats.

  • @DriftwoodGuitars

    @DriftwoodGuitars

    2 жыл бұрын

    Haha exactly.

  • @judih.8754

    @judih.8754

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@nolimitsldr No just one fat one!

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