March 10, 2012
Through a Google search, I was contacted by a gent from Guemes Island who was in possession of an unfinished Rob Girdis parlor guitar. After discussing my background and having studied with Rob, we agreed that I would take on the job of finishing the guitar. It’s a koa parlor with snakewood binding.
![120310top](http://www.stephengodbe.com/wp-content/gallery/misc-guitar/120310top.jpg)
I’m looking forward to this project, as I can still learn from Rob by examining and analyzing the construction of this guitar while I proceed with the finish. It needs the shaping and installing of a snakewood bridge, bone nut and saddle, tuning machines, and end pin. The guitar needs to be prepped for finish, then the application of a lacquer finish. Finally, strings and setup.
![120310bridge](http://www.stephengodbe.com/wp-content/gallery/misc-guitar/120310bridge.jpg)
I’ll carefully document the dimensions and materials, and take a few iPhone photos of inside the box. It’s koa all around with an interesting trilaminate neck of mahogany and ??
![120310necktrilaminate](http://www.stephengodbe.com/wp-content/gallery/misc-guitar/120310necktrilaminate.jpg)
![120310back](http://www.stephengodbe.com/wp-content/gallery/misc-guitar/120310back.jpg)
The headstock treatment uses a backing laminate of the same wood in the neck, which may be boxwood.
![120310headback](http://www.stephengodbe.com/wp-content/gallery/misc-guitar/120310headback.jpg)
![120310head](http://www.stephengodbe.com/wp-content/gallery/misc-guitar/120310head.jpg)
One thing Rob was proud of was his binding and purfling work which really shows on this guitar. I remember showing him progress on one of my earlier guitars where he commented, “Nice work, but, you still have a way to go on improving your binding.” I do possess now, the example to work toward.
![120310neckbody](http://www.stephengodbe.com/wp-content/gallery/misc-guitar/120310neckbody.jpg)
![120310soundhole](http://www.stephengodbe.com/wp-content/gallery/misc-guitar/120310soundhole.jpg)
![120310endcap](http://www.stephengodbe.com/wp-content/gallery/misc-guitar/120310endcap.jpg)
![120310buttgraft](http://www.stephengodbe.com/wp-content/gallery/misc-guitar/120310buttgraft.jpg)
I have access to an extensive photo library of Rob’s guitars. I should be able to replicate tuners and bridge design to ensure the finishing of this guitar matches his design.