MIMF

What type of acoustics?

-Matt

I just had some input from Tristan regarding carving tools. I'd like to check with the rest of MIMF. In two weeks, I'll be taking a break from dentistry. I'd like to work on some carved electric instruments, and possibly a mandolin / violin. What tools would you recommend? Additionally, has anyone u...

Let us know how it goes!

I'm pretty sure that it's a Dreadnaught rim, from the depth of the sides.

Isn't it a great feeling?

Congratulations!

Darn nice!

I may end up building two, as an experiment. :) One: maple neck/centerblock Two: pure port orford cypress I'll try to use the same hardware for both--hipshot bridge and tuners (my wallet is crying). I'm seriously tempted to use Gotoh's instead. The walnut caps will be from the same board (if possibl...

I'm probably going with Port Orford Cedar. IMHO it's like maple on steroids, but lighter. It's a good substitute for Spanish cypress on flamencos. My stuff is old, air dried, and about as hard as maple. For pickups, I'm enlisting Jason Lollar to recommend a set and wiring scheme. Finally, I'm asking...

Bob was one of the few guys that I had on my iPod regularly.

Bummer.

I appreciate the tips.

Btw, why a bolt on? It's actually easier for me to do a neck through.
Why maple?
Am I going for stiffness, mass, dampening?
Is there a specific wiring scheme that you recommend?

Lastly, is that list in order of preference?
As in are basslines your favorites?

David,

Thanks for the reply.

My friend actually doesn't know what he wants.
He mainly wants" lightweight" and "sounds great."
He showed me a YouTube clip of an inanez ergodyne bass.

Does that help?

I emailed Louie Atenza, and he recommended EMG active pickups.

Dear MIMF, Please help me design a lightweight bass for slapping. I'm an acoustic guitar guy, and I'm increasingly specializing in classical and finger style guitar. So I have no idea what makes a great bass. I'm thinking of building a Moll MIMF bass, and asking Jason Lollar for the pickups. Current...

I'd like to throw in my thoughts: 1. Japanese or Western? Japanese are more brittle, harder, and lighter. The cheap ones are fairly decent, but the good ones are great. Try these in person. Western chisels are generally softer, easier to sharpen, and a bit heavier. The Stanley sweethearts are a good...

I have to echo what everyone else is saying. I'd read a ton of books and was a MIMF junkie from 2003-2011. I've built a number of guitars (not great ones), and visited different shops: Rick Turner, Kenny Hill, Ervin Somogyi, Michi Matsuda, etc, etc, etc. More recently, I got serious. I started appre...

This is what I'd recommend: 1. Safety 2. Sharpening 3. Finish work A nice project would be to build a series of pretty boxes using local woods. Start simple. Gradually, add wood binding or joinery. Then, try french polishing the boxes or lacquering. If you want to do something a little fancier, buil...

I completely second Mario's suggestion.

I'd like to add that pretty much any tea should work, since it'll have tannins.

Regarding the original question, the only caveat that I see is that it's a bit more expensive than sourcing wood locally. Regarding my experiences (mostly US suppliers): Luthier's Merchantile: Overall, good wood. Good service. A bit corporate and snooty. German owned. Allied Lutherie: Very expensive...

I bought some Tranquil point spruce, and some brace stock from Brent at Alaska Specialty woods. I'm thinking of adopting the A-bracing from the Tinozza Acoustic Bass guitar. http://liutaiomottola.com/instruments/Tinozza.htm For carbon fiber, are you talking about a Mario Proulx sandwich? Or are you ...

Not going to add a pickup.

However, I'll probably be ordering from Oldworld tonewoods for another project in the near future.

Dear MIMF, I'll be building an acoustic bass guitar for Dr. John Nosti (in exchange for some training). I'd like your input regarding the top. Here are the specs: Back and sides: Indian Rosewood Neck: Port Orford cedar with carbon reinforcements Fretboard: indian rosewood 34" Bridge: Macassar e...

Nice!