Construction of a CB Model J

The rosette is inlaid into the top.

Chris uses a blade to scrape the rosette even with the top.

The binding procedure used for the top is repeated around the back.

Chris fits the small piece of binding at the end of the fretboard.

Once the epoxy for the fretboard binding sets, Chris uses a blade to scrape the binding material even with the tops of the frets.

A small file is then used to level the binding to the fretboard between the frets, leaving binding material at the end of each fret.

Chris finishes the fretboard binding material to the end of each fret, rather than dress the fret ends over the edge of the binding as most makers do. This not only gives a much nicer appearance, but it also makes for a much smoother feel. Frets can still be easily replaced when necessary without damaging the binding.

Detail shot of the underside of the fretboard at the neck dovetail shows Chris' adjustable truss rod.

This picture, taken with a mirror looking at the underside of the top at the neck block through the sound hole, shows access hole through the neck block for truss rod adjustment. All CB guitars feature an adjustment nut that is accessible through the end of the neck block by simply reaching inside the guitar behind the transverse brace underneath the end of the fretboard. This allows for easily-accessible neck adjustment while maintaining the structural integrity of the guitar by not drilling the transverse brace for truss rod access as some manufacturers do, which weakens the top at this critical stress area.

Detail shot of neck heel shows the adjustable truss rod, neck dovetail and heel cap inlay.

A dovetail is cut into the neck block to receive the neck dovetail. Great care must be taken to insure that the neck dovetail exactly fits this body dovetail, and that the neck angle is set correctly, as there is no margin for error here. Also shown is the notch for the adjustable truss rod, and the routed ledges for top binding and purfling are apparent.

This picture of the neck and body dovetails shown together gives an idea how the parts fit. While the traditional dovetail neck joint is no longer used by some of the major manufacturers due to the hand-fitting required, it is still the best method for achieving a strong, stable joint allowing maximum sound transmission from neck to body.