Rufus, P.H.D. Head Plate Veneer

With the fretboard on, the next step was to glue on the ebony head plate (1/8 inch veneer). First a truss rod access was chiseled, filed and sanded out (picture). Then glue was applied to the head stock. You have to be patient with the glue during this process. The ebony head plate wants to slide around on the glue and if you clamp to quickly the truss rod access will not be lined up how you intended. After waiting a few minutes I clamped it down (picture). Once dry,the excess ebony is trimmed away . A truss rod cover plate will be made out of this extra wood. Rarely does extra wood go to waste, you can always find a use for it. And should try too (soapbox).