THE FOUR CONCERT PINECONES are finally approaching completion. today it started with fitting a nut to the neck
Lots of careful sanding but you want this nut to fit perfectly to get the best sound. Once it is installed you are ready for the next step measuring the distance from the nut to the saddle for proper intonation.
I don't need to measure any more since I made this jig which sets the saddle at exactly the right place. Saves lots of time, more importantly it saves making an error and putting the bridge in the wrong spot.
When I made this jig a while back I was angling the saddle in a slanted cut of the bridge. I have decided it does not make any difference to intonation but that is why the jig shows both a 90 degree set used here and a slight angle. a multipurpose jig.
 |  Once you have the bridge in exactly the right place you surround it with blue tape. two or three layers of it so it is thick enough to hold the bridge within its borders. Then you scrape off all the French Polish "shellac" and you are ready for the glue |
These home made clamps were made specifically for the Pinecones. Just a lamination of scrap woods and a threaded bolt that screws threw a threaded insert and onto the wooden caul protecting the bridge. Got two of them glued up today and should finish the final two tomorrow, Also installed Pegheds on the two. I will be playing them tomorrow if all goes well.