Max Thornton, Australian Timbers Acoustic Guitar (Student Awards 2019)

I made an Australian Timbers Acoustic Guitar reoriented from the plans of an L-00 Acoustic Guitar. I changed parts from the plan to add detail and accentuate skill level, this can be seen in the rosette, wedge, headstock, bridge, neck profile, and at the base of the fretboard which have all been designed and implemented by myself. The idea to make an Acoustic Guitar greatly appealed to me because I play and the guitar I owned previously I felt wasn’t quite the best suit to my style, and so to design one around my own ergonomics creates great comfort which is amazing. I used all Australian timbers for the project with bunya pine for the soundboard/bracing, Queensland raintree for the back/sides/rosette, Queensland maple for the neck/blocks, Australian gidgee for the fretboard/bridge/headstock plate/wedge, and Australian rosewood for the bindings/rosette. The dimensions are not clearly set due to various curves and radiuses, but a boxed shell of overall dimensions is 1000 x 370 x 120mm. I have used multiple processes and joinery skills such as steambending, parquetry, hand shaping/carving, dovetail joints, reinforced butt joints, and inlaying to produce a piece that has great functionality, durability and aesthetics. Year 12, St Edward's Christian Brothers College. Teacher: Karl Beemster

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