Search found 1072 matches

by Mark McLean
Sun Aug 29, 2021 1:54 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: 16" Archtop
Replies: 11
Views: 9605

Re: 16" Archtop

Thanks Wayne. I will try those options . It is going to be a while before I wet started on that project but at least I am starting to plan and think about it, and to read Benedetto’s book.
Cheers
mm
by Mark McLean
Sat Aug 28, 2021 9:02 am
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: 16" Archtop
Replies: 11
Views: 9605

Re: 16" Archtop

I love it Wayne. I have a mate who wants an archtop so I am planning to try my first one some time soon. Where do you source soundboard timber? I would be thinking of spruce or Huon pine. And what about those nice blackwood billets?
by Mark McLean
Fri Aug 27, 2021 5:35 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Building a kitset dreadnought
Replies: 15
Views: 8945

Re: Building a kitset dreadnought

Well I am enjoying it so far. I have some friends who have seen my guitars and are keen to try it themselves, and I had thought of recommending a kit to them. Seeing you go through it will give me a good idea how to guide them. So, if you are up for doing all of the work of posting, I promise I, for...
by Mark McLean
Mon Aug 23, 2021 10:36 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: New Member
Replies: 10
Views: 6654

Re: New Member

Hi Alex. #5 looks great in the photo! I also find finishing to be the most difficult part of the build to pull off without flaws (which is to say that I have never done one without flaws). It seems to either require very fancy gear, or incredibly fastidious technique, or both. II am also very impati...
by Mark McLean
Mon Jul 26, 2021 4:45 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: My third guitar
Replies: 9
Views: 7439

Re: My third guitar

Absolutely lovely. Great aesthetic and execution. I haven't seen a neck done in silky oak before. It looks very nice - but how was it to carve and shape? How do you think it will go for stability - time will tell? If it performs well for necks I would consider trying it as an alternative to maple.
by Mark McLean
Wed Jul 21, 2021 8:25 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: A Couple of New Weissenborns
Replies: 18
Views: 20142

Re: A Couple of New Weissenborns

Hi Bernie Bob Connor, who used to be our fearless leader here at ANZLF, has retired from guitar making these days - and when we last heard was fully engaged with his whisky distillery :dru Your L-00 looks great, and very nicely turned out for a first build. The lutz and maple bindings look lovely wi...
by Mark McLean
Sat Jul 10, 2021 11:03 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: How do you profile your bridge?
Replies: 10
Views: 7206

Re: How do you profile your bridge?

I hog off some material with a plane or files and then use Trevor’s method of a radiused block, rather than the guitar top itself.
But the idea by Anthony Kreher of using that radiused block in combination with a belt sander - that is very clever. :cl :cl
by Mark McLean
Sun Jul 04, 2021 10:38 am
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Finally finished my 1st
Replies: 3
Views: 5067

Re: Finally finished my 1st

Congratulations Joel. That looks sensational - especially considering it is your first. Great design and execution, and if it sounds good too then you have hit the jackpot. I hope it gives you a lot of pleasure. All really well chosen Aussie woods too, which is a great feature. Cheers!
by Mark McLean
Sun Jun 13, 2021 8:04 am
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Backsides
Replies: 2
Views: 4708

Re: Backsides

Yeah, I does look really nice under finish. Definitely a bit walnut like. You didn’t mention the smell - and does it linger in the finished instrument? I must admit that I do sniff guitars.........
by Mark McLean
Fri Jun 11, 2021 9:09 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Re finish question
Replies: 6
Views: 4579

Re: Re finish question

That is a stunning looking back. Is it brazilian?
Lots of expert sources say that pretty much any finish can go over shellac. I have put both oil finish and nitro over shellac without any problems. I think you will be fine with that plan.
by Mark McLean
Thu Jun 10, 2021 10:56 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Hi from new member
Replies: 6
Views: 4822

Re: Hi from new member

Hi Peter, and welcome. It would be great to see some pics of your instruments. There is a guide to how to post pictures here: http://www.anzlf.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8413 You need to downsize picture files to be able to upload them, but it is not too hard. Good luck with the new project, and feel f...
by Mark McLean
Sat Jun 05, 2021 9:16 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: 2 geets on the go
Replies: 10
Views: 12685

Re: 2 geets on the go

They are both looking very fine. Excellent finishing job. But you had better tell us what is going on with the bridge pins.
by Mark McLean
Sun May 30, 2021 10:40 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Stewmac Pore Filler
Replies: 3
Views: 2663

Re: Stewmac Pore Filler

I think I read somewhere that it is the same stuff, rebadged by StewMac.
by Mark McLean
Mon May 10, 2021 6:00 am
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Baritone Uke
Replies: 8
Views: 8475

Re: Baritone Uke

Very original. I do love the look of that jarrah. What was the reason for the three piece top? Customer couldn't decide between the two options? It makes for a unique GT stripe effect.
by Mark McLean
Mon May 10, 2021 5:53 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Saddle height above top
Replies: 2
Views: 2687

Re: Saddle height above top

Hi Paul. I build steel-string guitars, not classicals - but the principles of saddle height are much the same. The height of the saddle is something that can be varied to achieve a desired string action. Therefore you shouldn't feel that there is a strict target for this measurement - but there is a...
by Mark McLean
Fri Apr 30, 2021 10:20 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: recommendation for hard shellac alternative?
Replies: 9
Views: 8023

Re: recommendation for hard shellac alternative?

Hard wax oil products designed for flooring are an option. There are gloss and satin versions. Application is very easy by rubbing, brushing or roller and they are non-toxic. Another advantage is that the finish is repairable with sanding or recoating. There are many brands and some are European, so...
by Mark McLean
Sat Apr 24, 2021 7:49 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Logo on the back
Replies: 2
Views: 2995

Re: Logo on the back

I think it could work well. I noticed in Dave’s recent post of his two tenors he put his logo on the back of the headstock, and I think that looks really classy.
http://www.anzlf.com/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=9062
by Mark McLean
Tue Apr 20, 2021 8:52 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: detached bridge
Replies: 5
Views: 4732

Re: detached bridge

Jurgen It is great that you got to sell one of your guitars, and a bummer that this happened to it. But I am sure you will find a solution. I agree completely with Richard’s assessment. It is probably not a humidity issue. It seems like adhesion failed across a significant area, and incomplete remov...
by Mark McLean
Mon Apr 19, 2021 10:34 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: First steel string build - Martin 5 style small guitar
Replies: 5
Views: 4656

Re: First steel string build - Martin 5 style small guitar

Hi Bob. That terz looks great. I also vote for compensating the bridge but I prefer to cut the saddle slot in the bridge blank before gluing it on. I calculate the amount of compensation I am likely to need for a given instrument, and this calculator by Liutaio Mottola is really useful - especially ...
by Mark McLean
Tue Apr 13, 2021 7:48 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Finger pressure
Replies: 6
Views: 5472

Re: Finger pressure

Well, I don’t know how valid this experimental method is - but I just got a digital kitchen scale and held it like a guitar neck, and pressed down with a finger of my left hand about the same amount that I would to fret a note, and did it about a dozen times, and the pressure consistently registered...
by Mark McLean
Sun Apr 11, 2021 8:32 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Twin tenors
Replies: 2
Views: 4631

Re: Twin tenors

They look very classy!. The tiger myrtle pairs up really well with the (?) mahogany neck and whatever you used for the bindings and other trimmings. A really nice package. I also like your initials on the back of the headstock. And it is nice how passage of time solved your finish problem.
by Mark McLean
Sun Apr 11, 2021 8:18 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Pore filling methods question (non-epoxy preferred)
Replies: 19
Views: 13648

Re: Pore filling methods question (non-epoxy preferred)

You just need some sort of material to sink into the space of the pores and fill the voids, and some ingredient mixed in that will turn solid and keep it there. Many things can do the job. Apart from the ones that you have already mentioned, others you will find discussed include wood fillers like T...
by Mark McLean
Tue Apr 06, 2021 6:29 am
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Couple electrics.
Replies: 4
Views: 6588

Re: Couple electrics.

I love the shapes (flowing lines in #1, angles in #2) and the timber choices. They make you want to pick them up and just run your hands over them. And I am sure they play well also. Very impressive creations!
by Mark McLean
Fri Mar 26, 2021 7:58 am
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Blue Flame Maple Tenor Uke
Replies: 10
Views: 10128

Re: Blue Flame Maple Tenor Uke

Allen, that looks very cool. The contrast to the blackwood bindings and soundhole binding is lovely. Good decision not to have any rosette in this colour scheme. How did you apply the dye - hand application or spray? It looks flawless, and way better than anything that I have ever been able to achie...
by Mark McLean
Fri Mar 19, 2021 8:36 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Guitar Inlay cutting Jig
Replies: 12
Views: 9599

Re: Guitar Inlay cutting Jig

That is really inspiring, and I could see myself making one of those. Great idea from Simso to get the perspex guides commercially cut. When you cut the inlay pockets do you do it to full depth, in one pass, or in multiple cuts?