Guitar Body Mold — Lutherie Encyclopedia

Guitar Body MoldType: toolA form matching the guitar body outline that holds the bent sides in shape during assembly of the top, back, and internal bracing.## Description A guitar body mold (also called a form or solera) is a rigid fixture shaped to the exact outline of the guitar body being built. It may be a full perimeter mold that surrounds the outside of the sides, an inside mold that supports the sides from within, or a flat solera-style platform used in Spanish-style construction. Molds are typically made from MDF, plywood, or a combination, built up in layers and shaped to the plan dimensions. ## Use in Lutherie The body mold is the central assembly fixture in guitar construction. After bending, the guitar sides are placed in the mold, which holds them in their exact final shape while the kerfing, neck and tail blocks, braces, and eventually the top and back plates are glued in place. Without a mold, the sides would spring out of shape and the body dimensions would be inconsistent. The mold is also used as a reference for checking symmetry and alignment throughout the build. Different molds are needed for each guitar body shape. ## Selection Guide Most luthiers build their own molds from plans or by tracing an existing guitar body. MDF is the most common material because it machines easily and remains stable. A mold should be at least 75mm deep to fully support the guitar sides. Bolt-together molds can be disassembled for removing the guitar. LMI and other suppliers sell pre-made molds for common body shapes, typically 50 to 150 dollars. Building your own costs 20 to 40 dollars in materials. ## Tips - Line the inside ed…