Pickup Routes

Here you can see the top has been glued on, and the edge routed flush with the sides. I've also routed for 2 humbucker pickups. I routed the wiring channel running between the pickups before the top was glued on.
This is some really nice looking Honduran Mahogany I used for the top. I believe we are going to finish the guitar in a 2-tone style sunburst finish, though a solid color is still being discussed.
I'm still fine tuning the neck fit and about ready to glue it in, then it'll really start looking like a guitar.

Gluing on the top

This series of pictures shows the process of gluing on the Mahogany top. The top is cut slightly oversized. I use a vacuum clamping system which allows for the top to conform to the carve of the arm contour.

Top Layout

Laying out the the 3-piece top. I'll now cut the pieces to final width, square the edges, cut out a slightly oversized body outline, and prepare for vacuum clamping.

Resawing the Mahogany top

Here I have resawn a 3-piece Honduran Mahogany top. I will now thickness them to final width, leaving the center piece taller to keep with the Firebird aesthetic.