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

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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...
Wood Chisels: stewmac.sjv.io/gbkA02
Acoustic Guitar Kit Clamp Set: stewmac.sjv.io...
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[@austinclark2378]

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

[@quarlmephystodot2201]

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

[@quarlmephystodot2201]

@Nathan Something my ass. not on a graph

[@stephen3073]

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]

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]

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]

100% create or die

[@3GCMusic]

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]

Give it a go! You’ll love it.

[@jeffpeterson8522]

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.

[@FirstDonkie]

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. 😉

[@johnp6269]

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

[@CMRWoodworks]

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!

[@chemmii]

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

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

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

[@craftycub]

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

[@Wilmx]

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

[@arcarioandsons]

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

[@mattfleming2287]

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]

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.

[@davidjennings9253]

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

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Thanks haha!

[@stephen3073]

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!

[@nomaed]

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]

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

[@LiveMusicCT]

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

[@williamsburgasylum]

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]

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.

[@scottakam]

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

[@fiddlix]

Your guitars are beyond impressive.

[@russellscott1151]

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?

[@larscw74]

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]

EXACTLY TRUE. Thank you Lars.

[@barrychristian4050]

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

[@gavinhutton8455]

congratz on the achievement.

[@walterrider9600]

thank you Chris and Mat

[@picksalot1]

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?

[@Apillicus]

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

[@bradleybuzard5931]

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

[@jipes]

Wonderful work

[@ShaneDavisDFTBA]

That crashing sound scared the shit out of me!

[@thatdiyguyraymondmonk1225]

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.

[@ranman58635]

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]

We’re sure trying!

[@ranman58635]

@@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]

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]

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

[@jennifer6833]

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 KZbin channel adventure since the beginning, it’s so neat to see you guys grow and evolve (both as people and a KZbin channel).

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

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.

[@terrycolletti6793]

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

[@Guitar_Builder]

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

[@brianfort5686]

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!

[@14djfunk]

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

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Yup haha

[@14djfunk]

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

[@dalgguitars]

thank you for your videos!

[@ronslaughter6878]

What grit sandpaper did you use on the long sanding block you used for final touch up after planing the two sides to fit together?

[@HarmonieZvuku-harfy-kalimby]

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)

[@rauschguitars]

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]

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]

why not a coping saw and refine with files?

[@blakedavis9119]

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

[@dogboyy2k12]

your channel is going to go large...

[@RhettShull]

First

[@DriftwoodMatt]

You win! Hahaha

[@roosky203]

Cheater

[@Tetsaraku]

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

[@christopher-miles]

ha. ha. ha.

[@docdoc]

So when do we get to hear about your tidalcaster ?

[@gavinhutton8455]

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

[@thenormie]

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

[@davidhurry1964]

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

[@hartleyshandcrafted]

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

[@JaiDee1991]

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

[@Skippinghigh-records]

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]

It cant be added after the fact.

[@tranquilitybase6417]

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

[@billmumbo2697]

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!).

[@pglavalle]

I always remembered "cave in" as in collapse inward

[@petermorello1051]

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]

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

[@petermorello1051]

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

[@rottalmusik6563]

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

[@evanpaulsmithfalconfogolin6147]

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

[@davidedwards7172]

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

[@MuchoBuenoGear]

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

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

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

[@robsworder]

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

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

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

[@geamax1]

Genius

[@ja2306]

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

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

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

[@ja2306]

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

[@stephen3073]

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.

[@davidjennings9253]

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

[@christopher-miles]

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

[@watchnlearn2731]

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

[@brutalbrutusTV]

I was the 2112th view on this vid...🤘

[@josephnorton1996]

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]

My bad haha

[@quarlmephystodot2201]

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

[@Tommy-mt2wk]

cnc made with the press of a key.

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Yup!

[@petermorello1051]

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!!

[@PJ-ku5lp]

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.

[@dejadejayoutube]

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

[@grkuntzmd]

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

[@Catmemegod]

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

[@aboveallthingslove6349]

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

[@obiwanudonnome814]

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

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Me!

[@hueyhoolihan582]

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.

[@AncientApparatus]

Is that Bruce Springsteel? 😆

[@watchnlearn2731]

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

[@stephen3073]

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]

We’re setting up that soon.

[@vtdaodao5471]

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

[@automaticearth]

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]

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

[@MarkZelfond]

concave plane is an oxymoron

[@Jayde-guitar]

Yum aerosol cheese… ewwww glue

[@judih.8754]

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

[@nolimitsldr]

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

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Haha exactly.

[@judih.8754]

@@nolimitsldr No just one fat one!

[@x96mustanggtx]

Anxiety at a maximum at 15:48 😅