MIMF

Barry Daniels wrote: ↑Wed Nov 29, 2023 10:02 am I think penetrating oil would soak into the neck wood which will soften it over time. I use heat from a soldering iron for this.

I haven't tried that one out but I think it leads to less clean up.

Your explanation about the magnetic circuit in instruments like the Jazz bass sheds light on the intricacies that contribute to the unique humbucking quality. It's a testament to the blend of physics and craftsmanship that goes into creating music.

Regarding the pickguard removal, those stubborn metal pins can be a real challenge. As an amateur mandolin player, I've encountered similar situations with my own instruments. Sometimes, a little patience and a delicate touch go a long way. Have you considered applying a tiny amount of penetrating o...

Do you use press when gluing pickguard?

Wall storing instruments uncovered is not the best option for long term storage. That mandolin really needs a good clean up.

That's fantastic news! It's great that you were able to work with your Octave Mandolin maker to create a custom bridge/saddle that fits your instrument perfectly. The adjustments in width sound like they'll make a significant difference. Best of luck with the Ashton Bailey tailpiece – it's always ex...

Thats too bad Matt, I think wood binding adds such an elegant touch and really makes the guitar look finished. The only times I use plastic any more is if the particular style of the instrument simply calls for it - an ES335 for example or an F5 mandolin. Or possibly if I just can't make the really...

Making acoustic instruments is a goal directed process involving a lot of self discipline. You can make a good guitar just following a plan without much thought past accurate joinery. But even if he only makes one guitar, understanding some of the basic principles of sound production I think would ...

I used the ColorTone Vintage Amber as the base coat of a two color sunburst for a Gibson L-0 copy. Tobacco Brown was my second color. It looked great. I was shocked. The next one will be finished with hand applied color. I watched a video on mandolin sunbursts. The person was a true artist. I'm abou...

[/quote] I certainly agree with what you've said; I have played many instruments over the years clarinet, sax, recorder, french horn, bassoon, baritone, bass trumpet(yep), drums, mandolin, banjo, electric guitar and acoustic guitar. I've played most of these in bands or orchestras. In the last 5 yea...

Steve Sawyer wrote: ↑Mon Feb 08, 2021 10:10 pm

Peter Wilcox wrote: ↑Mon Feb 08, 2021 5:09 pmI haven't used it for any structural applications as I have read there are questions about its long term strength.

Yeah - we'll see how this goes. Of course, at my age, I could begin assuming room temperature long before any issues become evident!

Don't forget the humidity.

F Murtz wrote: ↑Sat Sep 18, 2021 11:33 am I made an electric violin which was basically a single piece of wood and would like to make a fretless (could have painted frets) bass instrument in a similar fashion and I wonder if any one would have a pattern of such a thing

Have you tried looking for patterns on etsy?

In my luthiery journey, Schaller has remained a reliable choice,

Well, here it is on a mandolin that I built and am now gearing up to build a guitar. This one is headed to finishing booth soon. I spoke with some other builders that make Irwin tributes and they all confirmed the key was a tight slot and CA adhesive. I've done three mandolins so far and each one i...

Those fret icons look nice and intricate.

Try to see if it cracks when pressure is applied.

Having tools specific for violin really bolsters a luthiers capability.

With things pretty quiet last year I took the opportunity to work on a project I'd been meaning to make for years, a 'Harlequin' fiddle made of different colored woods. I have found over time that Black Walnut is reasonably similar to soft maple, and Western red cedar can substitute for spruce. By ...

Have you tried experimenting with different finishing materials?

Hi there. I recently finished restoring an old Kalamazoo km11 mandolin, including application of a thin french polish preservation coat. Overall, I am very happy with the result. However, while I am getting pretty good at french polish, I find my end result is *slight* sticky. Not really perceptabl...