The KSM Custom Guitar Shop
Raw Mahogany and Maple
Mahogany and maple are used for the body of the guitar. This combination has been time tested and proven to create a great instrument tone.
Neck Grain
Neck Grain: The neck wood is hard rock eastern maple. The strength and tone of this wood is perfect for creating a wonderful sounding instrument. The maple wood is cut from one long board then halved and glued to itself to even out to prevent grain tendencies to pull one way or the other. This also helps to prevent dead spots or "wolf tones" in the neck. Most Model 358™ guitars use rosewood for the fretboard because of its warm tone.
Hand Fitting The Tuners
The tuner holes: These are hand reamed to ensure tight tuner to wood contact, another small but important measure to make a whole instrument.
Checking Truss Rod Action
Truss Rod: The truss rod is adjusted throughout the building process to ensure the accuracy of the final relief and playability.
Laying Out The Pattern
Pattern of Book-Matched Maple: The guitar tops on the Model 358™ are carved from figured maple. Some are book matched and some are full piece when available.
Outlining Peghead Scarf-Joint
Scarf Joint: The peghead is glued at a precise angle to achieve the proper amount of string pressure at nut without string bind.
Nut Preparation
Bone Nuts: Each guitar is hand prepared and set up to match the guitar with its many components accurately.
Neck-through Top
Neck-through Top: One of the most important aspects of the Model 358™ construction is the neck-through top feature. The neck goes directly to where the bridge screws into the end of the neck.
