THE DREAM GUITARS BLOG

Incoming 2017 Robbins R.1 Build

| September 14, 2017

We were first introduced to Tyler Robbins and his work this year at the 2017 Artisan Guitar Show in Harrisburg, PA. Impressed by the R.1 we played there (click here for our listing for it), we brought it home with us. It was sold soon thereafter to a rather excited client! The next R.1 was already in the works by then, and now we’re hosting a build thread to document its journey. Keep checking in as we update the build thread with photos and specs. This guitar will be finished in time for the 2017 Woodstock Invitational Luthier’s Showcase!

Back and Sides – Cocobolo Rosewood
Top – Engelmann Spruce
Scale length – 25.5”
Nut Width – 1.75”
Saddle Spacing – 2.187”
Arm Bevel
Gotoh 510 Tuners
13-Fret Honduran Mahogany Neck
Ebony Bindings, Fretboard, Bridge, Headstock Veneer

Engelmann Spruce and Cocobolo

Cocobolo back and sides

Rim assembly with bevel support, heel and tail block, Florentine cutaway block

Rim assembly before Cocobolo end graft is installed

Closeup of the Florentine cutaway

Top is joined to the rim assembly supported by a MDF mold

Close up of the arm bevel block from the outside

Tyler here exploring his “sunken” inlay technique on the Cocobolo back center and end graft, where the actual inlay material is 1/8″ below the surface of the wood and clear epoxy is added to fill the 1/8″ space and create a surface level with the surrounding wood.

9/26/2017:

The box is bound!

The arm bevel is becoming more defined with binding.

The bevel miters look sharp!

Florentine cutaway freshly bound.

9/29/2017:

The body with Ebony arm bevel installed.

Test fitting the neck to the body.

Closeup of Tyler’s headstock veneers.

Closeup of the Ebony arm bevel.

Cocobolo and Nitro in sunlight.

The neck in the midst of finishing.

10/16/17:

Gluing the bridge after the spray booth.

Gold hardware sets of the Ebony and Cocobolo.

Glossy finish across the entire instrument.

First time strung up. Approaching setup time!

Stay tuned for more updates as we approach completion!