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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | The bug to build my own acoustic has hit. I have started to read and paruse materials. Currently have a bid on ebay for a AAA elite top...but curious if there are others out in OFC land. |
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Location: NJ | At one time, I was considering one of the StewMac "BuildYourOwn Resonator" kits (always wanted a reso) . . .
Then, . . . Al sold me a pretty cool Chinese dobro for $100, and that somewhat "appeased" me . . .
THEN, . . . Bill loaned me a couple of old Nationals t'play/babysit for the Winter . . .
. . . NOW, . . I'm TOTALLY f@cked.
I wouldn't mind attempting to build my own something-or-other, but I'd have to first put together a somewhat decent workshop in the garage, and I'm not quite "there" yet.
I was thinking that building a hammer dulcimer'd be pretty cool . . . |
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Location: SoCal | I saved an article from Acoustic Guitar, from maybe 10 years ago, about a guy who built his own acoustic guitar from a kit. I'd love to do it, and my son is always hot on the idea, but we have absolutely no room in the house or garage for the project. |
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Location: Avondale, AZ | I would build an acoustic but I don't know how to mold plastic. |
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Location: Canton (Detroit), MI | The Stew-Mac guitar kits look interesting, but I think I'd start with a mando and work up.
Roger |
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Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | Essentially, I REPAIR guitars, not construct them. I have a pretty good understanding of the art & technique of luthiery. The necessary equipment & expertise to construct a quality instrument is formidable. The kits are basically self-explanatory, and you have good tech support throughout the project. Here is an excellent source of information, and a great group to hang out with:
http://luthierlibrary.com/pages/1/index.htm
Whatever you decide, don't be in a rush. Good luck! |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Seesquare,
Thanks for the link.
The shop and tools are not a problem. I'm actually a pretty talented wood carver and will enjoy doing as much as I can by hand tools and between my and my brother's workshops there is little more I would need.
I'm studying up on jigs for bending and clamping methods at the moment, which seems to the biggest hurdle.
I've got it in my brain that a 12fret, cutaway, slotted head would be
most delictable....I'm in no hurry. |
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Location: Cicero, NY | I've got a couple of friends who have built a couple and they actually came out very nice. The time factor aside (it's a given that the first one will and probably should take almost forever), I'm thinking that with a little talent, good tools and a little luck, it's probably a great project to take on. Go for it, good luck and have fun, Jeff.
And it should go without saying that pics of the process all the way through (ala Sam's) will be mandatory. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | the cursing, hissy fit pics should be most amusing.... |
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Location: SoCal | Chet Atkins once wrote that he didn't think it could be very hard to built a guitar, so he did. Said it sucked (my paraphrasing). It's a lot harder than it looks. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | oooh, I think it won't be easy to make a guitar that sounds and plays well. |
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Location: Carle Place, NY | Originally posted by Jeff W.:
oooh, I think it won't be easy to make a guitar that sounds and plays well. Considering the time it would take, and the risk of not have a real quality instrument when all is done, wouldn't it make more sense to spend the time praticing guitar? |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Hmmm...
many hours in a day...
and life would be a complete bore if i didn't take a few risks along the way.
After all, why even bother practicing the guitar if you don't play it right the first time :confused: |
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Location: NJ | WorstCaseScenario:
. . y'got a nice wall hanger. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | ...maybe a little fern in the soundhole(s) |
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Location: Carle Place, NY | Ooops, I started commenting about what makes sense and forgot where I was posting this.
:D |
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| What he's not telling you is he ripped an FD14 apart to see how it's done.......
Think Tim Allen and a chainsaw.
The Ute stays here until all sharp tools have been taken into custody.
Like I couldn't see this coming. :D |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | My first acoustic was homemade, but not by me. Nice looking and sounding dreadnaught, but it was a real finger buster. When I tried out my Ovation Matrix it was like heaven.
You guys that don't have a shop or garage, my wife wants to downsize, so a large house with pool, basement shop, rec room (music room) and 5 car garage is available for the right price. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | ...yeah, the Fudd will make a nice template now that I've got her in pieces |
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Location: Ct./ USA | http://www.cigarboxguitar.com/ |
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Location: the BIG Metropolis of TR | I'm currently building a F5 mandolin from scratch. I "offically" got started (cut the first piece of wood...) at the end of Aug. but I began building the jigs and molds needed months ahead.
Seesquare is correct....the list of tools needed are formidable but I'm a "Tool Junkie" so I only needed the specicalized luthier's tool specific to instrument building (I SHOULD atleast be getting a Christmas card from Stew-Mac :eek: )
I've been documenting my progress with my digital camera and maybe hope to make a web page of my build but that's way in the future but would still be kinda neat!
Good Luck and keep us posted......Seesquare also gave good advice when he said, Don't be in a rush!
Take your time and enjoy and be prepared to walk away
for a while....It can get frustrating at times :cool:
Most of my links are for mando builds but here are a few guitar ones....
http://www.lmii.com/CartTwo/DaveKit/dave/LMIKitBuild.htm
http://www.hoffmanguitars.com/building_a_guitar.htm
http://www.angelfire.com/il3/jkumorek/
btw - the pics of my build (so far) are 1200x1600 sized....If anyones interested, I'd be glad to send a them a free CD (no text just pics) - PM me |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | thanks for the links, Boney. Enjoyed them and I suspect they will come in handy. |
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| Yeah still working on the shop myself, got most of what I need for the cabinetry and woodcarving but my luthiers tools are somewhat lacking.
Finally got around to buying a large buffing wheel set up, some fret files, and a bridge clamp but thats about it.
If you really must build one start with an electric! Solid bodies are easier to work with and you'll learna lot about necks, bridge set ups, intonation, electronics and finishes.
Acoustic Guitars are a whole other animal. And although very doo-able with some experience you can very easily end up with a box full of half finished guitar parts to leave to your grandchildern if you jump into this to fast.
Just a humble observation from a guy who has a few boxes of unfinished projects kicking around. I'll bet most of us do if we all came clean
Randy |
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Location: North Texas | I'm afraid that if I ever finish all my projects I'll die. In the interest of self preservation, I procrastinate. When I pass on, my wife will have one of the greatest yard sales in history. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Mine sells all my stuff when I'm still alive. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I appreciate the words of caution fellers, but I'm building an acoustic guitar. If it takes two years to do it right, so be it. My last loon decoy took six months, which is a long time for me and a carving. I built my log home, my bed (not a single metal fastner or any glue in it...all joinery) and too many other things to mention. I know what I'm getting into. But, good advice is always welcome. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | If you run out of projects, let me know. I could find a few for you if you get bored next time you come up to go fishing. |
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| Hey sounds an awful lot like me! Go for it man Post photo's for us.
Randy |
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Location: North Texas | Building a guitar would not be very hard, however, building a good one most probably would. I've wanted to make one also, but not from a kit. This idea sounds crazy, and, of course, it is, but, I'd like to make one from scratch, with materials found around the old homestead. It's unlikely that I'll ever get around to the attempt, but it's a nice fantasy. Weaser is right Jeff, go for it! You'll give us all a lift, and a vicarious sense of accomplishment. |
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Location: Cicero, NY | Originally posted by Jeff W.:
I appreciate the words of caution fellers, but I'm building an acoustic guitar. If it takes two years to do it right, so be it. My last loon decoy took six months, which is a long time for me and a carving. I built my log home, my bed (not a single metal fastner or any glue in it...all joinery) and too many other things to mention. I know what I'm getting into. But, good advice is always welcome. I've got a bother in law who is an amazing woodworker and he seems to have the same determination and I've gotta raise my glass to it. Go to it, JW. Talent not tested and stretched is talent wasted. And count me among those living vicariously through the project too. :cool: |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Word up, Wease...
'course...creative and long winded phrases of flagrant swearing and cursing are welcome for use in the future, as I don't profess I won't make mistakes along the way.
...Post'em below for future reference.... |
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Location: Cicero, NY | I'll assume that you are pretty well versed in the standards so I'll make a point to just pass on any new, different or any with a particular flair.
Again, showing the mark of a true professional. Preparation before you begin is half the battle. ;) |
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Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | A classical education is never wasted. Consult The Great Bard's works- "A pox on your house!" for a misplaced measurement & "Laughter & good company make a merry meal" for this outpouring of (im)moral support.
"Once more into the breach....." Oops, wrong guy. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Top, Back & Side wood has been ordered....
Top= Red (Appalachian/Adirondack) Spruce (Fine Grade)
Back and Sides= Honduran Rosewood (1st grade)
I'm researching what it will take to make a Steel String, 12fret Cutaway, Slothead. |
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Location: south east Michigan | Jeff...have you thought of a name for your own line of guitars??? |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | ....no.
...but, I'm guessing you have a suggestion? |
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Location: south east Michigan | No I don't.
Not yet.
But I'm workin' on it. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Geez Brad,
I thought I was lobbing you a softy!
Honestly, I hadn't given it a single thought, till I read your post. I have thought about the type, shape and break angle of the headstock...but not about putin' a name or for that matter, anything on it.
Over the last month or so, I have given lots of thought about building a guitar; Sound, type, materials, bracing, tools, yatta, yatta...yet, I don't think much about the final product except, in a very general way, I want it to be a good guitar.
Mostly, I've been thinking about how I will make (have made)decisions and why. It has been my experience with projects such as this that, as I work toward something, the more I force my intention or will on the work and materials, the less effective I am. It's a sort of Alchemy.
...what about ... "Jeffrey's?" |
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Location: Cicero, NY | This discussion has just begun...(and I'm not talking about you lobbing Brad a softy either). |
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| One other word of caution... Once you build your first acoustic, You will want to build another. then another , then another.. Then your obsessed---- Then that is your new ocupation.. Finding the perfect guitar... Happened to me.. ;) |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Originally posted by luthier444:
One other word of caution... Once you build your first acoustic, You will want to build another. then another , then another.. Then your obsessed---- Then that is your new ocupation.. Finding the perfect guitar... Happened to me.. ;) Might I ask you from time to time, advice??...
...addiction not withstanding |
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| Sure no problem... Let me know if you want to see pics of mine.. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Thanks.
Again. |
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Location: The Shop | Dont listen to 444 all he does all day is sit in a dark room somewhere in the bowels of the mothership and fix the things that other people screw up. He has no idea what he is doing. :-) |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I will give that some consideration...
....placed the order for the bone saddle and nut blanks today. |
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Location: Upper Left USA | I was thinking all of you Eastern Seaboarders have problems with your bowels. Your Constinents are OK though!
Luthier Tool Aquisition Syndrome??? |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I'm trying, soooooo not, to buy any tools that I really don't absolutely need. Between our shops my shop...and my brother's (lives in walking distance) we are well equipped....
though that's no reason not to buy more cool tools... :rolleyes: |
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Location: North Texas | Clamps, more clamps, always more clamps! |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | ain't that the truth... |
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| Dont forget go bar dowels and an arched surphase for bracing. Something to hold your sides in shape. Bending sides and binding is easier with a side bender but can be done with a pipe and a blow torch. To be honest flat backs are pretty easy compared to wooden round backs like madolins and lutes and the ocassional Ovation wooden copy. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | ....I'm curious about your Horizontal dove tail!
I figure I'm going to spend at least as much time making jigs and molds as building the guitar itself...
I'm thinking i will "boil" the sides, then clamp to a side mold under halagen lamp |
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| Good luck if it works.. Boiling the wood is a waste of time and for some woods a NO NO.. The minute you pull the wood it flashes and is too cold to bend.. As long as the heat is constant try it.. Remember the steam is the thing you need not just hot water... Its not like building row boats... If you want a real easy way to bend wood --- Get some pure amonia and you can tie wood in a knot if you want.. Your neighbors might not appreciate it when your house blows up.. I would buy heat blankets if you use clamps on a mold.. Just wet the wood with hot water.. |
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Location: NJ | ". . Your neighbors might not appreciate it when your house blows up.. "
Then again, . . . they just MIGHT. :D |
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Location: the BIG Metropolis of TR | Do it like a dis...... ;)
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Thanks, Trboy and Luthier444 (aka L'4s)
L'4s,
Funny you mentioned rowboats. 20(+) years ago, a colleague and I were the very young, very commited and somewhat talented repair dudes for the historic (70-100+ year old) Chesapeake Bay vessels at the school where we were teaching. We occassionaly used the steam box of a generous local wooden boat builder in Chestertown Md. Bending wood seemed like we were performing magic...
I've read about ways to bend the sides of a guitar but, need to hear and I really value you guys offering your advice!!
Currently...
I'm only in the tonewood-materials-aquisition-phase presently. Once the woods arrive I will begin, in ernest, the design, then processes. There is much research to do and again I thank you for posting!
The question I am thinking about tonight is Bridge type...
I am inclined to use a pinless bridge and bone saddle. Pinned bridges are attractive for break angle of the strings, but pinned bridge needs a more massive bridge block. A pinless bridge doesn't have as sharp a beak angle, but doesn't need a massive bridge block.
Bracing discussions to follow...
Thanks again |
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| Keep in mind the stress of the strings on pin bridges are under the top. Pinless bridges are as strong as the bond of the bridge to the top.. Meaning a pin bridge may not delaminate even if it is lifting from bad glue bond. Pinless bridges , if it delaminates may or may not smack you in the head while you are playing.. There is more to this than that.... Sound wise it is known that , even beyond what may seem lodgical---- You need more bracing to get the low end out of a guitar... { JIMI HENDRIX - PUSHING HIS STRAT AGAINST A CHAIR TO GET MORE VOLUME} The Bass side of a bridge on a hand made guitar is always bigger and thicker then the treble side..
Thats why I dont use either one of them!!!!!!! |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Luthier444,
We have much to discuss |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | and I have much to learn |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | The soundboard, back and side wood arrived to day.
It's beautiful stuff. |
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| Finished yet? |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Schroeder, I'm doing your order first. |
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| The nylon or the steel? Did we discuss colour options? |
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Location: NJ | 40lb. test and Pink.
(No Substitutions) |
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| There's an ad in this month's Gear magazine over here for a bright pink Applause. It's not a good look. |
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Location: closely held secret | This is an excerpt from an email I got from Kim, in response to my asking how my 1624 was coming along.
I seriously doubt he will mind me sharing it...
"We accidentally mixed it up with a guitar we are building for Shakira, and it got painted Flamingo Pink. We immediately realized our mistake and tried to wipe off the finish. Unfortunately, the rag the tech used was already saturated with black paint. Currently it is a black-to-pink sunburst. The tech set it down on a cart that was headed to Hamer, and they installed pickups and a Bigsby tremolo, because that's what they do. It is now a wicked acoustic rockabilly guitar. I haven't sent it back to you because I found some flaws in the finish, so the paint tech is currently trying to figure out how to duplicate the black-to-pink sunburst. "
:eek: |
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Location: SoCal | well, better than his normal Green Goblin Latex from Sears (with textured roller) :p :eek: :p |
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| I forget if you mentioned??
What kind of back and sides and what kind of Top wood??? |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Red Spruce (Adirondack) top.
Honduran Rosewood back and sides. |
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| AWESOME DUDE!~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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Location: Cicero, NY | Not a fan of the cedar tops, JW? |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | got two already... (luv'em both) |
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| Adirondack spruce----- What makes vintage Martins great especially WWII Dred Martins.. Rosewood is always a good choice for BOOM and balance |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | All very nice pieces as well...The top especially, though it isn't "mastergrade" (just first or AAA) it is flawless. I found a really great tonewood supplier here in Va, and the guy is great. His wood is stellar. The Rosewood is dead straight and uniform, a more subtle gain pattern as opposed to highly figured, which is fine as I am planning to make this guitar very understated and elegant, no flash...
I am wavering daily between Dred style or 0M style...tough choice. Currently, 12 fret to body OM style has a nose out... |
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Location: Cicero, NY | Hope you guys don't mind if I ask (probably a whole bunch of) stupid questions along the way. Someday I just might venture into the area myself... |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I bet you can't ask as many as I can... |
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| Word to the wise on guitar builders!!!
WOOD..--- Has a great memory.. Wood always wants to go back to its original form,,.. Thats why when bending wood you always over bend so it goes back to where you want it.. When building a guitar you want the least amount of stress as possible for vibration... For example- when you bond a top to the back and sides you dont clamp the shit out of it.... You just use tape or rubber bands or the lightest presure possible... You want no stress at alll!!!!! This helps with cracks and with the guitar vibrating freely. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Good stuff, K. Gracias. |
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| OHHHHH !!!!!! And when building a guitar its much better to build a guitar when its dry and not humid... Humid is all about pushing .. Dry is all about pulling... When you bend wood its all about steam heat and expansion... You leave your guitar in a trunk on a 0 degree day at 0 humidity and oops crack.??? If you build a guitar dry and leave it in your trunk on a 0 degree day at 0 humidity , the guitar just went back to the condition you built it... Wood moves easier when there is moisture involved... |
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| Thanks J W just trying to help.. And by the way the only place on earth with 0 humidity is the north and south pole.. So 30 to 40 percent is good... |
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Location: the BIG Metropolis of TR | Thanks for the tip about "lightly" clamping the backs and tops 'cause I'm the type of guy that would clamp the sh*t out of them!(and probaby try to add some drywall screws also :eek: )
I clamped my sides in the form while they were still alittle damp and then let them stay clamped for about 3 days (in Aug.in the south) and now it retains it's shape although I still keep it lying in the form until I get the top and back glued on.....
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I'm taking notes on all the tips and adding them to my file. |
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| "Hope you guys don't mind if I ask (probably a whole bunch of) stupid questions along the way"
"I bet you can't ask as many as I can..."
Great - now they're fighting over who's the dumbest on the board. Should we have a poll? |
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Location: closely held secret | Oh, yes, lets! |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I may not be the sharpest tool in the drawer, but at least I'm not the sharpest tool in the drawer. |
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Location: Cicero, NY | Yeah. Uh, what he said. |
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| It's a tie. And no overtime. |
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Location: Cicero, NY | Too bad - Lady Weaser was volunteering to be a character reference...(pretty eagerly too). |
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| Updates!!! updates!!!! |
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| He's gone to visit his folks for your Big Chicken Day. I'm sure his mom could knit him a better guitar than he's gonna make, but you know how stubborn he is....
I've ordered two - it's my help the mentally challenged gesture for the year. |
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Posts: 42
Location: New York State | I have a martin D28 kit. Bought it when i was visiting the martin factory about 12 years ago. I tell myself i'm not procrastinating... i'm just aging it :)
Actually, i did start it... got the back pieces together and the tail and neck blocks joined to the sides. It was looking great... perfect fit and "square"... Then I decided to have a baby, so it got packed away till just recently. The "baby" is 9 years old now, and i'm ready to start back on the guitar project. I'll take some pictures to share...
Susan <-- daughter of a seriously good woodworker, who loved to teach his little girl how to use power and hand tools :) |
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| Awesomely Fantastic Dudette!!!!!!!! |
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Location: New York State | Originally posted by luthier444:
Awesomely Fantastic Dudette!!!!!!!! Ha ha ha haaaaaa......... thanks :) I figure if i finish it within the next year or two, i'll be happy. My son is just starting to play, and i think it would be SO cool for him to someday, when i'm jammin in heaven, have a beautiful sounding guitar made by his mom.
we shall see...
susan |
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Posts: 2178
Location: the BIG Metropolis of TR | "It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you.
It's what you leave behind you when you go"....
I think that's the reason I'm building an instrument so that I can leave something behind maybe someone will enjoy/treasure/use etc.
Accordingly how this 1st one turns out :eek: ....I'll proababy build more (gotta find a use for all those templates/jigs/molds) and although neither of my sons play an instrument, It can be passed down to future generations..... |
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Location: Cicero, NY | My son is just starting to play, and i think it would be SO cool for him to someday, when i'm jammin in heaven, have a beautiful sounding guitar made by his mom.
we shall see...
susan [/QB] FWIW, That is just insanely cool. :cool: |
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Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I've ordered the remaining wood. Gonna make a 5 piece neck with mahogany and rosewood. Ebony fingerboard, bridge, headstock veneer, binding and heel cap. Maple bridge plate.
I've purchased and am reading two manuals: "Guitar Building- Tradition and Technology" and The Luthier's Handbook". Both are very good.
I have settled on the body shape and have 2 designs drafted, one center hole and one with sound holes in the upper bout. |
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Posts: 255
| Just wanted to share photos of a guitar I am building.. Its for Hart + Huntington Tattoo company.. The Show on A+E called INKED... Dont mind the mess--- I build my guitars on a poker table .. hahahahaha     |
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| OH by the way I am still waiting for the INLAYS so i cant finish it. |
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Location: Upper Left USA | That's going to be one bright flam'in geetar!
Sweet! |
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Posts: 4413
| Nice cutaway! :D |
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Location: the BIG Metropolis of TR | LOOKIN' GOOOOD!!!! :eek: :cool:
Couple of questions.......How are you mounting the neck and what's the cutout in the back fer? |
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| The neck is mounted with a horizontal dovetail so there is no heel.. The strap knob goes there for great balance and with the cutaway scallop you can really shred up there. The cutout in the back is an access door. Being a repair guy for Ovation for 15 years reminds me how easy ELITES are to repair. |
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Location: the BIG Metropolis of TR | Kewl,Thanks.... |
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Location: New York State | Wow! How gorgeous is that! Very cool to be making them a guitar, too.
Is the red an inlay or painted?
Susan |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | K,
I'm LIKIN' the horizontal dovetail.
Gorgeous maple. |
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Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | For anyone with a stringed instrument project looking for tonewoods check out Colonial Tonewoods ....
The owner is a great guy and the wood is outstanding- much of it aged more 30-60 years. I highly recommend him. If you are not in the market for tonewoods, it is still an interesting site to look over. |
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| They re H H logo on the top is painted on.. I wouldnt mess with the top too much with inlays.. Thats asking for long term problems.. The red logo will actually be a black H H, because I found the red didnt look right up close!!!! I received my inlays today and I am SYKED!!!!!!!!!!! The hart + Huntington inlays are absolutely perfect!!!!!!! Thank god i dont have to make them... If the timing is perfect this guitar will be on the show because they are always looking for drama or something cool to aim the cameras at!!!!
By the way if you need any Inlays made ,,,, GOOGLE BOBS INLAYS.. He makes them by hand which is not as perfect as Laser made but!!!!!! He is awesome!!!!! Great guy!!! |
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Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Ripped the Mahogany neck blank into three slabs, planed the faces and the rosewood skunk stripes too and glued up a new 5 piece laminated neck blank tonight....
K,
Be sure to let us know if your guitar will be on the the show. I love to see that. Thanks for the tip on Bob's Inlay. I have designed my headstock logo inlay and have been contemplating how I will make it. S'good to have options. |
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Location: the BIG Metropolis of TR | L444, Who would you recomend for laser cut inlays?
Also the cheapest source for Mother-of-Pearl blanks..... |
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Posts: 255
| I always use Grizzly Tools first, if they dont have it I go to LMI-- StewMac.. LMI has a magazine {The Luthier Arts } Has Many Inlay makers who are off the wall... I find its just easier for me to send a pic and measurements to Bob.. |
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Location: the BIG Metropolis of TR | Been working on my fretboard......
...from this...
...to this (with a few steps in between ;) ) |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Very very nice. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I got the guitar neck roughed out. The headstock scarfed at a 15 degree angle...work on it has been slow lately. |
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Location: the BIG Metropolis of TR | Thanks, I've got to add the side marker dots and then I'll put it aside for a while and shape the neck....then I'll tackle the frets. I had to get the fretboard cut and bound so I could mark the width of the neck for carving!
Jeff....We NEED pics of your build!!! :cool: |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Trboy,
Sent you some update pics... |
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Posts: 2178
Location: the BIG Metropolis of TR | Lookin' Good!! I also like your tuners....are they Waverly or Irving Sloane?
btw - I got you a pic CD made w/extras, I just need your address.... |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Waverly...
I'll email you my addy... Thanks! |
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Location: closely held secret | Would you two like to be alone? |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | just avert your eyes |
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Location: closely held secret | I'd rather see some pics of your progress. |
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Location: closely held secret | Thanks! |
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Posts: 13996
Location: Upper Left USA | RE:
"L444, Who would you recomend for laser cut inlays?
Also the cheapest source for Mother-of-Pearl blanks....."
For price considerations there are several Pacific Rim sources on Ebay. Look and read carefully and wait 2 weeks for delivery. Several have some pre-cut, highly intricate inlays as well. |
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Building a guitar