Classical Guitar Back and Sides

The Back and Sides

The back and sides are arguably the most visible part of the guitar. Normally they are made out of hardwoods that are selected based on the beauty of the wood as well as its tonal qualities. Together with the top, they complete the acoustic box of the guitar.

While many believe the back and sides contribute to the sound of the guitar, others argue that they do not add much to the sound. Don Antonio Torres even made a guitar out of paper mache to try to prove this point. Whether he ended up proving or disproving this, is still open for debate.

One thing I can say for sure, while it is true that most of the sound is produced at the soundboard, every piece of the guitar contributes to the tonal qualities of the instrument, so selecting woods with good tonal quality is important for every part of the guitar, including the back and sides.

Back ready to be glued

Re-sawing lumber to make the back. This back was made out of four pieces

Once the back has been glued together and the center strip installed, it is time to thin it out. My target is 2.5mm, but I can go thinner if it feels too stiff

When getting close to the desired thickness, the shape is cut

After reaching the correct thickness, the back join supports are installed

Once the thickness is reached the support and braces are installed

Sides are bent and cut to size

Sides are cut and fitted, then glued to the soundboards using the peones

Closeup of the peones installation

Before the back is glued closing the acoustic box, an arch is established for the back in the entire contour of the sides. My standard arch is a 25' radius

Before the back is clued closing the acoustic box, an arch is established for the back in the entire contour of the sides. My standard arch is a 25' radius

After the arch is correct, the back is glued and is tied to make sure there is enough downward pressure for the join

Bending bindings and purflings

Bent bindings/purflings strips

Fitting the bindings/purflings strips

This is a Brazilian Lacewood being french polished

This is an Indian Rosewood guitar being french polished

This is a Sapele guitar being french polished

This is a Bubinga guitar being french polished

This is a Curly Maple guitar being french polished

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The Classical Guitar Back and Sides

The back and sides of the classical guitar are carefully constructed with woods selected for their tonal qualities

The Back and Sides

Back ready to be glued

Re-sawing lumber to make the back. This back was made out of four pieces

Once the back has been glued together and the center strip installed, it is time to thin it out. My target is 2.5mm, but I can go thinner if it feels too stiff

When getting close to the desired thickness, the shape is cut

After reaching the correct thickness, the back join supports are installed

Once the thickness is reached the support and braces are installed

Sides are bent and cut to size

Sides are cut and fitted, then glued to the soundboards using the peones

Closeup of the peones installation

Before the back is glued closing the acoustic box, an arch is established for the back in the entire contour of the sides. My standard arch is a 25' radius

Before the back is clued closing the acoustic box, an arch is established for the back in the entire contour of the sides. My standard arch is a 25' radius

After the arch is correct, the back is glued and is tied to make sure there is enough downward pressure for the join

Bending bindings and purflings

Bent bindings/purflings strips

Fitting the bindings/purflings strips

This is a Brazilian Lacewood being french polished

This is a Brazilian Lacewood being french polished

This is an Indian Rosewood guitar being french polished

This is a Sapele guitar being french polished

This is a Bubinga guitar being french polished

This is a Curly Maple guitar being french polished

Get in Touch!

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