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So I'm thinking I'd like to add a soundport to my recently completed guitar.

I don't know the right procedure for this. I have some ideas though but wanted to check with those who have done it before.

1) Do I need to add inside backing material? If so, how would I do this? Make a spreader type caul and put the body back inside the mold and glue in the backing plates?

2) Leave the spread caul inside the body and drill the sound port?

or

3) Draw some cool shape, drill a couple pilot holes and jig saw the majority of the rest than go to sandpaper?

Thanks for the help.

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"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

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Hey Rod,

I do this all the time ... using the jig posted in the pic, and a lam trimer and 1/4 inch downcut spiral, I pick the guide collar size to set the port size (I usually use a 1/2 inch collar) Tape the top and back, plus the port area, clamp on, and then cut the port. Leave the tape on, and sand the port edge with 280, then 400 .. then add some danish oil to complete. You can also add in some small cross side supports at either end of the port, clamping with little spring clamps thru the port itself, as split supports.

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Tony Karol
www.karol-guitars.com
"let my passion .. fulfill yours"

So other than the split resistance/side supports you don't add anything else inside?

Great jig Tony.

_________________
My Facebook Guitar Page

"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

no .. dont have to .. I noticed that on a Greenfield once ... but i sometimes add the veneer lines to add a little flair ...

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Tony Karol
www.karol-guitars.com
"let my passion .. fulfill yours"

Well! That fixtures getting ripped off!
Nice work Tony!

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Billy Dean Thomas
Covina, CA

"Multi famam, conscientiam, pauci verentur."
(Many fear their reputation, few their conscience)

Yup, think I am going to shamelessly borrow the idea as well