Search found 16 matches
- Sun Dec 15, 2013 10:52 am
- Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
- Topic: Cases
- Replies: 16
- Views: 23010
Re: Cases
Those are fabulous guitars. I am glad you are seeking advice on quality cases that will do them justice. Also glad to know that luthier discounts are available from some of these case makers. I'd hazard a guess that all you have to do is include these photos with your inquiries to the case companies...
- Fri Feb 01, 2013 5:23 am
- Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
- Topic: Cleats
- Replies: 14
- Views: 12920
Re: Cleats
It's an interesting topic. In his book, Benedetto mentions that he frequently saw cleated D'Angelico guitars when he was doing repairs. For a time, he followed suit with his own guitars. Then he came to believe that perfect joints, well dried wood and optimal building humidity eliminated the need fo...
- Tue Jan 22, 2013 12:18 pm
- Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
- Topic: Gibson ES175 busted up pretty bad
- Replies: 14
- Views: 15090
Re: Gibson ES175 busted up pretty bad
Nice save! As I stated previously, I always thought this great old axe was worth the effort to fix. I am in the camp of those who believe that Gibsons, like any other make, should be evaluated on their individual merits. This is a vintage axe and a CLASSIC jazz axe, and I am very glad you brought it...
- Wed Dec 12, 2012 12:48 pm
- Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
- Topic: Condoms in Lutherie [Recycling Topic]
- Replies: 4
- Views: 5671
Re: Condoms in Lutherie [Recycling Topic]
As the Padma always says: "If it gets the pig clean, use it." I chuckled, too. Glad you posted the pics.
- Mon Dec 10, 2012 6:12 am
- Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
- Topic: Gibson ES175 busted up pretty bad
- Replies: 14
- Views: 15090
Re: Gibson ES175 busted up pretty bad
Rod, I might be misunderstanding your description of the dovetail joint, but it looks to me as though it was well-fitted before being dropped and broken. Of course, none of us can tell for sure without actually seeing it. It is normal for the shoulders of the heel to be undercut so that only their e...
- Tue Oct 23, 2012 9:26 am
- Forum: Jigs & Fixtures
- Topic: Gotta lotta bottle...
- Replies: 6
- Views: 13077
Re: Gotta lotta bottle...
Trevor, I must say this is a truly insightful observation on your part. It certainly never occurred to me to even try switching out caps, even though I'm usually a fairly insightful guy. Again and again, I am reminded how painfully obvious so many things are--but only after someone else points them ...
- Wed Sep 26, 2012 5:24 am
- Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
- Topic: Does size matter?
- Replies: 17
- Views: 15131
Re: Does size matter?
There is another consideration in headstock size--comfortable spacing between tuning machines. I'm referring to comfort when tuning. It's amazing how a slightly closer spacing can make the buttons feel like they're getting in each other's way as you turn one. This, of course would be more a function...
- Mon Sep 17, 2012 1:18 am
- Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
- Topic: Scraper
- Replies: 30
- Views: 33530
Re: Scraper
Nice idea, and I especially like the way you fashioned the handle to make a purfling/binding scraper. Is there enough "wiggle" room in the slots and holes of the blade to permit some in and out adjustment for wider or narrower bindings?
Patrick
Patrick
- Mon Sep 17, 2012 1:07 am
- Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
- Topic: And now for something completely different
- Replies: 3
- Views: 6241
Re: And now for something completely different
I think it's a very interesting, attractive shape and you've brought the whole thing together visually in a very nice way. I am not as confident about carved-in back braces because I think applied braces--cross grain--would be much stronger. However, it's your own experimental instrument so I'm sure...
- Sat Sep 01, 2012 1:24 pm
- Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
- Topic: 3 piece tops
- Replies: 16
- Views: 20004
Re: 3 piece tops
I'm no expert on structural matters, but I don't see how a three piece top could hurt. It might lend very exciting visual design opportunities, too. When building my archtop guitar, I came out with the extremities of the lower bouts too thin. My solution was to shave off the thin parts to a grain li...
- Sat Sep 01, 2012 12:57 pm
- Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
- Topic: Spool Clamps
- Replies: 15
- Views: 19357
Re: Spool Clamps
And, honestly, I've never been convinced that they need to be round spools. Certainly, they are much prettier tools if they are round. But that's not necessary. Mine happen to be 1" squares, faced with cork and center drilled and then with long carriage bolts threaded through them. They work perfect...
- Mon May 07, 2012 10:08 am
- Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
- Topic: The Improved Rosette Cutter
- Replies: 150
- Views: 181790
Re: The Improved Rosette Cutter
Okay, Allen, I think I'm getting it now. There are some mounting holes and a curved surface that didn't show in your first picture. This makes more sense to me now. Yes, I have a gramil so I understand the way the tool would be used. I just couldn't figure it out from your first picture. As I said e...
- Mon May 07, 2012 6:40 am
- Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
- Topic: The Improved Rosette Cutter
- Replies: 150
- Views: 181790
Re: The Improved Rosette Cutter
Allen, from way over and up here it certainly looks like you've got it working. That's a very interesting rosette, and nicely done, too. Now let me be sure I understand how the tool works. Here's my go at it: Left thumbwheel locks the cutter in place. Insert pin and spaced holes on the bottom are th...
- Mon Feb 06, 2012 4:18 am
- Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
- Topic: Blackwood/ Engleman jazzbox.
- Replies: 12
- Views: 12121
Re: Blackwood/ Engleman jazzbox.
It's a beautiful archtop, Rod. I love archtops. Would you consider letting us know your formula for that nice top color? If my screen is not deceiving me, I'm seeing a very nice purple-ish, reddish brown in the sunburst shading and I love the color.
Congratulations,
Patrick
Congratulations,
Patrick
- Tue Jan 17, 2012 12:29 pm
- Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
- Topic: Archtop Ukulele
- Replies: 38
- Views: 45669
Re: Archtop Ukulele
I can only offer some general advice--and perhaps a resource. First of all, archtop instruments don't work like flat tops. Archtops use floating bridges and tailpieces. Flat tops (like most ukes) use tied or pinned bridges. Having said that, it looks to me like your arch might be a little high relat...
- Mon Nov 28, 2011 4:25 am
- Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
- Topic: Alaska Specialty Woods
- Replies: 9
- Views: 10789
Re: Alaska Specialty Woods
Brent Cole supplies good products at a very good price, and follows through with what I believe is superlative customer service. I believe most, or perhaps all, of his spruce comes from standing deadwood and that appeals to me. If you order from him, don't be surprised if you receive a personal emai...