The one and only C.F. Martin HD X1

How a  D-X1 turned into a  HD-X1

 
The Martin D-X1 is a sturdy guitar. Despite the fact that it is a low-end Martin, it sounds great. But the appearance is a little bit plain. So it is pretty obvious to route some grooves and glue a nice binding and a Martinesque herringbone purfling into them ? Nevertheless I am shure that this project - which I would not have dared without the help of guitar builder Martin Wieland of Deerbridge Guitars - is the first of it's kind and my Martin D-X1 - now turned into a HD-X1, is unique.

The beginning: Plain Jane.
Step #1: Routing the groove for the binding. A Dremel rotary tool with router attachment (binding router guide) is utilized.
That's how the groove looks like...............

measuring the width of the herringbone strip..................

The router is adjusted, the purfling groove gets routed Me: "What about the soundhole trim afte we'll be finished ..."
Martin: "One more word and me kick butt........................."
Working with the chisel close to the fretboard, where the router could not be used....................
Now the glue is squeezed into the groove  ...................... and the strips get glued in. Binding and purfling are being .....

glued in together. The strips get fixed with adhesive tape for 24 hours.

First half already finished, now the other one ...............

After the surgery the patient has to rest overnight.
Next evening the procedure goes on. Luckily I know someone who knows how to use planes.............
Herringbone and binding flush.....

State of affairs the morning after....
To be continued:

The top has to be lightly sanded next. The binding's edges will have to be sandend round somewhat. After that I intend to put on one or two thin coats of laquer (satin).
...... as I said, state of affairs.