Search found 235 matches

by Mike Conner
Wed Oct 13, 2021 4:37 pm
Forum: Archtop Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Archtop Sides Width
Replies: 1
Views: 2720

Re: Archtop Sides Width

My first builds had 2.75" (2-3/4") sides, and I have enlarged that slightly to 2.88" (2-7/8") for later builds. My front and back plates are 0.188" (3/16") thick at the sides. So, the total side width finishes out at about 3.25" (3-1/4"). This body depth seems...
by Mike Conner
Wed Sep 08, 2021 7:12 am
Forum: Jam Session
Topic: Building with kids
Replies: 8
Views: 10788

Re: Building with kids

Pouring into the next generation! This is such a blessing. Those middle school aged kids have a new degree of confidence - it will be wonderful to see how the seed you have planted will bloom. Thanks for sharing your interest and talents with the next generation, and for sharing it with MIMF. Very i...
by Mike Conner
Tue Sep 07, 2021 5:03 pm
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Masking bridge location
Replies: 12
Views: 6119

Re: Masking bridge location

...I position the bridge on the unfinished top drill thru 2 bridge pin holes, and then mask with tape. Tom, I have the polyethylene locating pins from StewMac, and my plan is to locate the bridge and drill for the locating pins. I will be clamping with bolts through some of the bridge pin holes and...
by Mike Conner
Tue Sep 07, 2021 6:56 am
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Masking bridge location
Replies: 12
Views: 6119

Re: Masking bridge location

Thanks, Peter.
Your method is the most "direct". I guess the critical part is to have a really light touch while cutting the tape to avoid slicing into the spruce top.
by Mike Conner
Mon Sep 06, 2021 7:44 pm
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Masking bridge location
Replies: 12
Views: 6119

Re: Masking bridge location

... Use either masking tape or frisket. Make the mask slightly smaller than the bridge because the edges get a little extra build and will need to be scraped and cleaned up. Thanks Barry, Any tips on how to trace the bridge outline on to the masking tape? I was thinking of sticking to some plastic ...
by Mike Conner
Mon Sep 06, 2021 4:54 pm
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Masking bridge location
Replies: 12
Views: 6119

Masking bridge location

Building my first flat top instrument, a dreadnought with Englemann front and walnut back and sides. Going really well so far and getting ready for finish prep. My archtops have floating bridges so this will be my first glued on bridge. My thought is to create a mask to protect the bridge location f...
by Mike Conner
Mon Aug 16, 2021 3:26 pm
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: First Build Progressing, Slowly
Replies: 17
Views: 19774

Re: First Build Progressing, Slowly

[/quote] Thank you, Mike. I think I had heard of Supersoft before but had forgotten about it. I think I'll be getting some soon. Does it affect the look of the wood in any way? I have an old round hot pipe bender but I have no idea how hot it gets. How do you measure its temperature? I got a cheap I...
by Mike Conner
Mon Aug 16, 2021 11:30 am
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: First Build Progressing, Slowly
Replies: 17
Views: 19774

Re: First Build Progressing, Slowly

Eric: I had alot of frustration bending wood bindings early on, especially curly maple. Now I use SuperSoft 2 treatment and haven't broke any sides or binding since, even around a tight cutaway bend. Bought a gallon container of the Supersoft and looks like it will be a lifetime supply! I bend by ha...
by Mike Conner
Wed Aug 04, 2021 3:44 pm
Forum: Archtop Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Building template for archtop dovetail
Replies: 2
Views: 4479

Re: Building template for archtop dovetail

I didn't have a magic formula but created my own templates and jigs that have worked out really well. You can find some images in my "Detailed Build/Tutorials" threads, and in my Journals posted here on MIMF: https://www.mimf.com/Builds/Archtop%20Build%20Journal%20-%20Fifth%20Edition.pdf T...
by Mike Conner
Sun Jul 11, 2021 10:21 pm
Forum: Glues and Finishes
Topic: The Dye Masters!
Replies: 14
Views: 11713

Re: The Dye Masters!

Somebody correct me if I recall it wrong, but I recall that the TransTint colors are more "light-fast" than the older aniline dye colors.
by Mike Conner
Sun Jul 11, 2021 4:31 pm
Forum: Glues and Finishes
Topic: The Dye Masters!
Replies: 14
Views: 11713

Re: The Dye Masters!

Gilbert: Transtint for me also. There are alot of pre-mixed options for a wide range of colors. I have used Honey Amber, Vintage Maple and Medium Brown. Dilute with alcohol. I put a few drops of Honey Amber into waterborne poly to warm up the look, gives it a traditional varnish color.
by Mike Conner
Sat Jun 12, 2021 7:39 am
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: First Build Milestone
Replies: 6
Views: 5922

Re: First Build Milestone

Congratulations! I believe that when your mind and soul are at peace, healing is enhanced. Enjoy your shop and the guitar build, and step away for a break when it gets frustrating. You may find that sharing your blessings and talents with others blesses you as well :D
by Mike Conner
Thu Jun 03, 2021 9:06 am
Forum: Detailed Builds/Tutorials
Topic: Squareneck Resonator - Detailed Build Notes
Replies: 62
Views: 90688

Re: Squareneck Resonator - Detailed Build Notes

So, this happened... I made the front page of the local newspaper here in Murphy NC. I am humbled by the opportunity to share the concept of building for a purpose: https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-news-newsletter/creating-sound-purpose?fbclid=IwAR2HfMGpFdUP3H0vLzs_eF3GX_esE2PQZRXvFXp4aqWDMDVj45Z...
by Mike Conner
Tue Jun 01, 2021 3:20 pm
Forum: Detailed Builds/Tutorials
Topic: Squareneck Resonator - Detailed Build Notes
Replies: 62
Views: 90688

Re: Squareneck Resonator - Detailed Build Notes

A really nice resophonic Mike, with lots of attention to detail I agree that a sunburst accenting the figure has a place, especially in "old timey" instruments like these, since that's the way mine turned out, and it makes them look aged from the get go. :D That's right, Peter! And I'm le...
by Mike Conner
Tue Jun 01, 2021 12:29 pm
Forum: Detailed Builds/Tutorials
Topic: Squareneck Resonator - Detailed Build Notes
Replies: 62
Views: 90688

Re: Squareneck Resonator - Detailed Build Notes

Bob, I see it the same way. The hand-rubbed bursts can have a "patina" appearance, and I feel that the chances that accenting the figure in the wood are better. I need to experiment more with off-cuts and scraps to increase my experience and confidence.
by Mike Conner
Mon May 31, 2021 7:56 pm
Forum: Detailed Builds/Tutorials
Topic: Squareneck Resonator - Detailed Build Notes
Replies: 62
Views: 90688

Re: Squareneck Resonator - Detailed Build Notes

With the resonator one week old, some observations: The body design was based on a Martin dreadnought plan - I traced the dreadnought outline and then developed the layout and bracing plan for the spider resonator. I had purchased a Guardian Deluxe Resophonic case through Elderly for the reso to tra...
by Mike Conner
Wed May 26, 2021 4:10 pm
Forum: Detailed Builds/Tutorials
Topic: Squareneck Resonator - Detailed Build Notes
Replies: 62
Views: 90688

Re: Squareneck Resonator - Detailed Build Notes

Bob, Thank you for your kind words! Barry, I had done a good bit of research into lacquer finishes and feel like I understand the process. I decided early on that I did not want to tool up with ventilation, respirators and explosion proof gear in order to achieve that goal, and never even considered...
by Mike Conner
Tue May 25, 2021 8:19 am
Forum: Detailed Builds/Tutorials
Topic: Squareneck Resonator - Detailed Build Notes
Replies: 62
Views: 90688

Re: Squareneck Resonator - Detailed Build Notes

Some reflections on where I'm at in the lutherie craft: Been thinking about how my skills are evolving, and whether I have achieved "control" in the many processes and skills it takes to successfully create an instrument. By "control", I am defining it as having developed the ski...
by Mike Conner
Mon May 24, 2021 9:46 pm
Forum: Detailed Builds/Tutorials
Topic: Squareneck Resonator - Detailed Build Notes
Replies: 62
Views: 90688

Re: Squareneck Resonator - Detailed Build Notes

With the assembled cone and spider dropped in the ledge, the outer strings can be installed to check alignment and confirm the position of the tailpiece, then drill and screw on the tailpiece using a strap lock button. (Landed right where it was supposed to - what a relief!) D121 - Aligning Tailpiec...
by Mike Conner
Mon May 24, 2021 9:40 pm
Forum: Detailed Builds/Tutorials
Topic: Squareneck Resonator - Detailed Build Notes
Replies: 62
Views: 90688

Re: Squareneck Resonator - Detailed Build Notes

Carved and installed the bone nut and slotted for the strings (0.325" string spacing). Installed the Gotoh 510 tuning machines - these are really good machines! Neck meets the body again! Two screws with bellville washers are installed through the neck block from the inside of the body to lock ...

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