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.
Category:Techniques and Tips
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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Mandolin construction – soundhole trim
Description of the construction of a Coombe mandolin – soundhole trim Source: Mandolin construction – soundhole trim
A Luthier’s Blog (Gary Nava – UK)
Gary Nava’s Blogspot. Source: A Luthier’s Blog (Gary Nava’s Blogspot). He seems to have had this going since 2006. Hi, I make mostly mandolins and guitars, entirely by myself and by hand. Although I’m based in the Norfolk Fens, my instruments can be found all over the world. I made my first guitar when I …
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Violin Making with Derek Roberts
Violin Making: This series follows Derek Roberts as he makes a violin in the traditional way. Source: Violin Making with Derek Roberts Derek Roberts is a professional violin maker with workshops in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire and Pembrokeshire, West Wales, UK. The page linked is his series of articles on his process in making violins.
Woodworking with Ebony – FineWoodworking
When it comes to working ebony, hand tools take center-stage. Source: Woodworking with Ebony – FineWoodworking In his article in Fine Woodworking #228, Garrett Hack marveled at the small stature of an ebony tree he encountered in Java some 30 years ago. “In a climate where trees grow year-round, this 90-year-old was about 11 in. in diameter.” …
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How to Rehair a violin Bow Part 1
Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8:
A kitchen cutting board makes a great binding jig! – StewMac
Dan Erlewine modifies a plastic cutting board from Walmart to solve a guitar binding problem. He needs four matching pieces of black-white-black binding, and he shows a clever trick for doing this. From the free Trade Secrets newsletter at stewmac.com. Source: A kitchen cutting board makes a great binding jig! – StewMac Check out his …
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