DeLuze Orphean

We are still waiting for the truss rod. We cannot begin on it without the truss rod because we need the wood to be square in order to carve out the hole.

Yesterday we began work on the neck of the guitar.  We started by using the Mitre Box Saw to cut the mahogany to the appropriate length for the neck. Following that we sanded down the wood to make it flat for the routing template. However there is not much more that we can do without the truss rod which should be arriving in the next week or so.

 Today the routing template we will be using arrived. It is a template of the Ibanez Jem 777, which was Steve Vai's signature guitar. This template was chosen because it has a shape that is incredibly close to the Deluze Orphean as well as has a 25.5" scale length, and 16" raduis which is perfect for playing fast. The differences in the body can be rectified with a copy of the template that we can modify once we begin body work.

  Today the flush trim bit we will be using arrived. It is the Mega Flush Trim Bit sold by Infinity tools. This bit will be used to perfectly shape the guitar as well as route holes for the electronics.

Today the router arrived. The router is one of two tools needed for this project that we did not have access to before beginning (the other being a laser cutter). The router will be used to form the holes needed in the guitar for electronics as well as make the guitar the exact dimensions we desire.   

  Today the fingerboard arrived. It is a pre-slotted 25.5" scale ebony fretboard made by Forrest Guitar Supplies in Spain. Ebony fretboards are almost exclusively on high end guitars as the wood is more rare and expensive than maple or rosewood, which are the other two woods that are commonly used. In return though, ebony fretboards offer the smooth and quick feel of maple without sacrificing the string control offered by rosewood.