Fretwire bender (SS only)

This device will impart a consistent curve of any desired radius to straight lengths of stock fret wire, a step which makes fretting easier and more consistent. Although it mechanizes a step that can be done by hand, it offers a measure of control and consistency that justifies its cost.

Tuning-machine-roller drilling guide (CL only)

This is an articulated device which insures that the holes in the headpiece that accept both classic or steel-string horizontal tuning machine rollers are drilled strictly centered, perpendicular and accurately spaced. Its precision enhances the longevity of the installed tuning machines and so is worthwhile.

Fingerboard slotting guide

This device consists of a tray which secures a fingerboard blank and guides a backsaw to cut fret slots at precise intervals into it. Although costly, if you intend to make many guitars of only one or two different string lengths, it is a great time-saver.

Fingerboard-arch sanding blocks (SS only)

These are commercially-available shaped wooden blocks with a concave surface onto which you can apply sandpaper. They are used to true and level the steel-string guitar fingerboard after it has been planed to the desired transverse arch. If you are experienced with woodworking machinery you may be able to make these yourself, but otherwise you can buy them with several different arches.

[SS] Bridge-pin-hole slotting saw and reamer

Luthier supply houses supply a specialized tool consisting of a short, aggressive saw blade joined to a small wooden handle and which fits in the palm of the hand which is designed for steel-string guitar builders to saw the string-relief notches into the bridge pin holes in the bridge. Our instructions show the procedure done using an ordinary coping saw blade, but this specialized tool makes the job quicker and allows for greater precision.

Also available are small tapered reamers which precisely match the taper-angle of bridge-pins. These are nice to have because they can improve the consistency of the fit of the bridge pins in their corresponding holes