This year has flown by! I know I say that every year but it is true and they seem to going by faster every year!
I just finished building a guitar with Bill Bell from Texas this past week in my six day one on one class. In this class we build a guitar from a box of lumber to a finished, playable guitar in only six days! On the video page at the Lutherie Academy, you can click on the Instruments Built By Students tab to see some of these incredible instruments being played. Here is what Bill said about the class: "This guitar turned out looking great and is starting out sounding full, clear and surprisingly loud for an OM. Robbie O'Brien made this an absolute joy. I am blessed."
 
On Bill's instrument I offered him the choice of a traditional French polish finish like I show in my Online French Polish Course, or the more durable Royal lac product that I highlighted in a recent SHOP TALK LIVE STREAM. (See video link below). We wiped it on with a paper towel. We are using the post catalyzed version which takes only a week to cure. In this case the student will need to do some work in his own shop after the cure time. All that is needed is to level with 1000 grit and then buff to a gloss by hand or on a buffing wheel. Royal Lac is a very user friendly product and even though shellac based, offers more protection than traditional shellac. 
 

I have three more guitars to build with students before Christmas. After enjoying the Thanksgiving celebration tomorrow I will jump right back into building with students for the next three weeks. Be ready to see some beautiful guitars coming out of the shop over the next few weeks. 
Happy Thanksgiving everyone and Happy Building!