The neck raw plank is first accurately squared on all sides using a large plane and checked with a try square. Next the oblique cut for the headstock splice is laid using a knife. Wood is marked with knives, not pencils.

The shaft is then cut along the length, jointed and squared again with the plane and a rosewood strip is glued.

Here I am thinning the two headplates. The lighter color one will be attached to the back of the paddle and it is bookmatched from offcuts from the guitar’s back. Above, the paddle and the second shaft half, which is going to be glued to the rosewood insert in phase 2.