Our Process

The Rufus Thames Guitar Making Process

1. Selection of Premium Tonewoods:

The foundation of a great guitar starts with exceptional materials. I meticulously select the tonewoods, the very heart of the instrument's sound. This includes choosing woods like spruce for the top and tonewood for the back and sides, each piece inspected for its visual appeal and acoustic potential.

2. Shaping and Carving: A Delicate Dance

With years of experience in a machine shop, I shape and carve the chosen woods. I make all parts of the guitar by hand, except the frets, the tuning machines, and the binding. This delicate process involves using time-honored techniques to craft the ideal body and neck for both comfort, sound and playability. Each curve and contour is meticulously formed to ensure a perfect fit and an undeniably comfortable playing experience.

3. The Hidden Art of Bracing:

Sita bracing, the unseen structure within the guitar, plays a vital role in its sound. Here, precision and attention to detail comes into play. I carefully brace the guitar's interior, ensuring it resonates with pure, rich tones. This intricate process requires a deep understanding of how wood vibrates and translates that knowledge into a foundation that allows the guitar to sing.

4. Finishing Touches:

The journey continues with the application of traditional Nitro cellullouse lacquer. Spraying, curing and buffing. My goal here is to obtain a very thin finish to allow maximum resonance of each instrument. 

Next comes installation of frets, carefully leveled and dressed for smooth playability. 

Every step, from fretwork to the final polish, embodies my dedication to create a heirloom-quality guitar. The result? Instruments that not only sound incredible and look beautiful, but are as unique and captivating as the musicians who will play them.

Playing Ole Rufus guitars is guaranteed to add years of enjoyment to your life!