Building the Top

The two halves of the top need to be perfectly planed so that no glue is visible in the joint. It is important not to end the planing on a ring of tree growth. This would create an unsightly double line of ring growth, highlighting the joint.
Rosettes come in a variety of designs and colors.
Traditionally, the ornamentation for a classical guitar is more complex and thicker than a steel string.
Once the top is joined and rough surfaced, the rosette, or sound hole inlay is glued in a routed circle surrounding the sound hole.
© Copyright, Shel Sax, July 2001. No reproduction without authorization.
Photographs by Howard Rossman