More properly referred to as “Protein” glues – includes glues made from bone, hide, rabbit skin, fish, isinglass, and various forms of the above (eg. disiccated, liquid, and preparations of, such as Old Brown Glue “OBG”). Source: All about fish glue and hide glue – Journeyman’s Journal All about fish glue and hide glue PUBLISHED ON May …
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Month:March 2022
Neck Construction Tips and Techniques – StewMac
When gluing pieces of wood together, don’t sand the two gluing surfaces too smooth. If the wood has come off of a jointer or planer or has been sanded finer than 180-grit, scuff-up the gluing surface with 80 or 120-grit sandpaper. This will improve adhesion and actually make the glue joint less visible. This is …
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Gary Nava Archtop#5 Neck
Gary Nava demonstrates how he fabricates his laminated necks, and talks about why he does it that way. He then describes how he inlays the headstock. Finally he cuts the start of the volute.
Cumpiano handmade guitars
William R. Cumpiano—maker of artisanal guitars for almost half a century and author Source: Cumpiano handmade guitars Book: Guitarmaking: Tradition & Technology. Articles: Wood’s Appearance Why is curly maple curly? Why is rosewood purple and mahogany red? What are birdseyes? Bear claws?
Kathy Matsushita’s “Amateur Luthier” Page
Hobbyist site chronicling the stringed-instrument building projects of Kathy Matsushita. Source: Kathy Matsushita’s “Amateur Luthier” Page
Instrument Case Repair (Steve Kirtley)
Musical Instrument Case Repair and Construction Source: Case Repair These are a few examples of instrument case repair, restoration, as well as construction of some faithful reproductions of classic old cases. It’s not an exhaustive tutorial, but perhaps will provide some ideas and inspiration. Includes really good info on the history of some well-known (American) …
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Lawrence Smart Stringed Instruments
Source: Lawrence Smart Stringed Instruments Author of “The Modern Mandolin”, from a 1995 Guild of American Luthiers lecture.
Advanced Plating Inc.
Source: Advanced Plating Inc. Advanced Plating | World’s Finest Chrome and Powder Coating. Apparently a specialty shop; “If you truly want the top of the heap for Gibson Bridges and tailpieces then you need to speak with Advanced Plating in Nashville. They MAKE the Historic bridges FOR Gibson, and they are SWEET.. and not …
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Redhead Mandolins | An Alternative to Factory Production
An Alternative to Factory Production Source: Redhead Mandolins | An Alternative to Factory Production Redhead Mandolins. His website found by reference in an interview in Mandolin Cafe; I came across this luthier (Nevin Hahs) previously – he once called himself, and his blog, “Lex Luthier”. I’m not …
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Mandolin construction – soundhole trim
Description of the construction of a Coombe mandolin – soundhole trim Source: Mandolin construction – soundhole trim