The Process

Voicing

Clearly, the most important piece of wood in an instrument is the top. This is, after all, the main amplifier of the vibrating strings and contributes most to the timbre and volume the instrument will ultimately produce. This is why it’s the first piece of wood to be considered for a particular instrument. Initially, its mass and stiffness are evaluated for suitability for a particular instrument style (classical, jumbo, steel string, etc.)

Once the book-matched pieces are jointed and joined together, they are cut to a uniform size and preliminary thickness. Every top and back is then carefully tested at several points along the way to becoming an instrument. Test results are analyzed and recorded to provide an historical record associated with each instrument. Measurements taken allow me to adjust bracing and thicknesses to maximize each instrument’s potential.