Search found 1072 matches

by Mark McLean
Tue Feb 05, 2013 5:55 am
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Cocobolo O-18 12 fret
Replies: 25
Views: 25530

Re: Cocobolo O-18 12 fret

Lovely work Bob. The cocobolo really does the trick. I like the simple elegance of the bindings being the same as the back/side wood. Sometimes we tend to overcomplicate the colour scheme - this is great. It is a nice touch around the fretboard also. It must be frustrating not being able to play the...
by Mark McLean
Sun Jan 13, 2013 10:57 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Stinky case
Replies: 25
Views: 24804

Re: Stinky case

I got a stinky new case recently. I picked it up at Guitar Factory, Gladesville, surprisingly cheap (can't remember exactly, but under $100) and looks really good. Very sturdy, well lined, good hinges and locks - but strong glue/solvent smell. I didn't worry too much about it in the shop, thinking t...
by Mark McLean
Sun Jan 13, 2013 11:36 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Passing on the addiction
Replies: 12
Views: 12622

Re: Passing on the addiction

I have built guitars with both of my sons. It has been a great bond and really good quality time. My first attempt at building was a joint project with my younger son, who was then 16. We built an OM kit together and he was very keen - we both learned heaps. About 70% of the way through that project...
by Mark McLean
Mon Dec 17, 2012 9:42 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: O.M in sitka & Indian rosewood...
Replies: 5
Views: 6338

Re: O.M in sitka & Indian rosewood...

Very nice looking OM Rob. The wood combination is classic and really works well. What did you use for the bindings - they really set it off nicely? Is it koa, or mahogany, or something more indigenous to the Scotland? It sounds grand too!
cheers
Mark
by Mark McLean
Thu Dec 13, 2012 7:39 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Tru-Oil
Replies: 5
Views: 6207

Re: Tru-Oil

I've done two acoustics all over with Tru-Oil and it worked well. It is certainly easy to apply. You will find lots of information on its use as a guitar finish if you search the forum here, and Google elsewhere. Robbie O'Brien's video will get you started. If you use it in high humidity it can stay...
by Mark McLean
Mon Nov 26, 2012 5:58 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: tools and timber on ebay
Replies: 1
Views: 2687

tools and timber on ebay

There is an auction now up on ebay for a variety of high-end woodworking tools as well as a big stash of timber, including Honduran mahogany boards. The same seller had another tool auction going here a couple of months ago and I bought a couple of items. I did not know him at that time but it turns...
by Mark McLean
Tue Nov 20, 2012 10:12 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Manuel Ortez 1972 Classical
Replies: 18
Views: 17115

Re: Manuel Ortez 1972 Classical

Nice pickup Jeremy. It would have been quite a thrill to spot that one and get it for a song. Looking at the back I was thinking walnut too. I have some black walnut a lot like that, with the diagonal figure showing through. Any clues from the smell? I guess it could smell of a lot of other things, ...
by Mark McLean
Fri Nov 09, 2012 11:16 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: King Billy & Qld Walnut Bouzouki
Replies: 10
Views: 12638

Re: King Billy & Qld Walnut Bouzouki

Thanks Mike
I also thought I would follow Graham's ideas if I ever went down this road, and it is great to know that you travelled the same route. Mr McDonald is having a bit of influence around here!
Once again - beaut looking instrument.
by Mark McLean
Thu Nov 08, 2012 9:32 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: King Billy & Qld Walnut Bouzouki
Replies: 10
Views: 12638

Re: King Billy & Qld Walnut Bouzouki

Mike, that is a very beautiful and elegant instrument. I think the combination of colours really works a treat, and the matt finish is very tasteful. What were the challenges in tackling a bouzouki, and what plans did you use? It really inspires me to give one a go at a later stage (not that I would...
by Mark McLean
Fri Nov 02, 2012 6:51 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Minnerichi bridge....Wow nice stuff!!!
Replies: 16
Views: 18054

Re: Minnerichi bridge....Wow nice stuff!!!

Rod Thanks for pointing us all in the direction of that rosette style, designed by Jason Kostal. I was also grabbed by it and would like to give it a try. I found the following thread which shows one of his rosettes during construction so it answers John's question with a picture - saying just what ...
by Mark McLean
Thu Nov 01, 2012 11:05 am
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: NK Forster archtops
Replies: 14
Views: 16081

Re: NK Forster archtops

Yeah, Gobsmacked by the design flair and the execution.

Definitely want to know how you do the compensated zero fret please?
cheers (and cheering)
Mark
by Mark McLean
Thu Nov 01, 2012 6:15 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Minnerichi bridge....Wow nice stuff!!!
Replies: 16
Views: 18054

Re: Minnerichi bridge....Wow nice stuff!!!

Wow - it does look really nice Rod. You get more Google hits with different spellings - minnerichie or minneritchie. It is a desert acacia (wattle) with amazing curly bark. http://www.flickr.com/photos/indole/2610767080/ http://www.worldwidewattle.com/imagegallery/image.php?p=&l=c&id=14088&o=2
by Mark McLean
Tue Oct 30, 2012 9:11 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: new member - hello
Replies: 21
Views: 20258

Re: new member - hello

Hi Nigel I have been admiring your work for a while. I followed one of your youtube videos in my first attempt at side-bending. I also used your technique for soundhole binding from another video, and most recently have pinched your idea of the headstock back-strap that extends down the back of the ...
by Mark McLean
Sun Oct 28, 2012 10:09 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Pure Acoustic Stompbox
Replies: 8
Views: 9939

Re: Pure Acoustic Stompbox

Hi Trevor This video will probably give you some ideas http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvXNv4XXlIc&feature=related This is an interesting and simple cigar-box foot drum idea. http://www.chicagofretworks.com/2008/06/17/a-different-kind-of-stompbox/ Not exactly a stomp box, but there are some cool idea...
by Mark McLean
Fri Oct 26, 2012 6:06 am
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Blackwood and Sitka
Replies: 6
Views: 6857

Re: Blackwood and Sitka

Hi Rod
That is a supremely beautiful burst finish. If that was one of your early efforts it is very impressive. The shape, f-hole binding and overall detail just look great. I am not surprised that the new owner is pretty happy.
cheers
Mark
by Mark McLean
Thu Oct 04, 2012 6:33 am
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Steve Roberts - a couple of builds
Replies: 5
Views: 6016

Re: Steve Roberts - a couple of builds

Really nice work Steve. You clearly have got your act together. Where did you get that Honduran and Amazon rosewood. It looks fantastic.
cheers
Mark
by Mark McLean
Sat Sep 29, 2012 8:54 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Getting more out of your bandsaw
Replies: 1
Views: 2729

Re: Getting more out of your bandsaw

Really clever stuff. It sounds even cleverer in German. Great link - thanks Frank
by Mark McLean
Tue Sep 18, 2012 10:30 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: another Newbie in Perth
Replies: 11
Views: 9882

Re: another Newbie in Perth

Hi Ron Welcome to the mob. Regarding books, when trying my first build (with a similar lack of experience to yours) I bought the Cumpiano book and also Jonathan Kinkead's Build Your Own Acoustic Guitar. I found that the more modern and picture-heavy book by Kinkead was of much more practical use (an...
by Mark McLean
Sun Sep 16, 2012 12:03 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Herringbone Purfling how deep?
Replies: 4
Views: 5092

Re: Herringbone Purfling how deep?

I have used the Stew-Mac herringbone which is 1.65mm deep. It scrapes and sands down well so if you cut the channel around 1.5mm or a little less you will have it a little bit proud, and then you can bring it down to be flush with the top. Adjust the measurements if the stuff you are using has diffe...
by Mark McLean
Wed Sep 12, 2012 10:01 pm
Forum: Contemporary Acoustic Guitar Design and Build - Trevor Gore
Topic: Compensating?
Replies: 3
Views: 5572

Re: Compensating?

Hi Jeff. Thanks for the heads-up on the JT guitar lessons. I hadn't found them yet and I have always wanted to learn a bit of his stuff. It is not surprising that he tends to tune a little bit flat since he uses a capo so often, which I like to do also. I find it always makes the outside strings (6,...
by Mark McLean
Mon Sep 10, 2012 10:20 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Yet another Newbie
Replies: 6
Views: 5065

Re: Yet another Newbie

G'day Dale It is great that you are wanting to jump in and make a start. If you don't have a space or tools at the moment you might do well to make your first guitar at Gerard's workshop. I have struggled along and learned stuff alone by trial and error. I have not been involved in his school but I ...
by Mark McLean
Sun Sep 09, 2012 9:23 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Just sharing.....Progress shots....
Replies: 29
Views: 23584

Re: Just sharing.....Progress shots....

Lovely Nick. That is some pretty impressive bearclaw figure in that top!
cheers
Mark
by Mark McLean
Sun Aug 05, 2012 8:37 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Uke No.3
Replies: 8
Views: 9483

Re: Uke No.3

Great looking uke Matt.
I really like the transition between the heel and body and your eclipse symbol on the back. Just a great combination of woods all round.
chers
Mark
by Mark McLean
Tue Jul 31, 2012 8:42 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Gibson Kasha disaster
Replies: 12
Views: 10566

Re: Gibson Kasha disaster

Peter The thing is probably un-fixable. If the owner really wants to make the best of it because of sentimental attachment then a Bridge Doctor is the way to go. They are pretty good at rescuing a guitar with an inadequately braced and a badly bellied top. There is no saddle left and no break angle ...
by Mark McLean
Tue Jul 03, 2012 8:24 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: FYI....White pencils
Replies: 34
Views: 30604

Re: FYI....White pencils

John
I found exactly the same ones in my local newsagent last weekend - after looking for months for a good white pencil. I agree, they are just the go.
Well spotted!

Mark