garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 454
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Jul 3, 2023 15:29:04 GMT
Well Guys, this won't be everyone's cup of tea............................but, look what the courier brought me! The video says it all…………. Cheers Gary
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 454
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on May 26, 2023 12:43:25 GMT
Well guys, 4 years later and I've decided to sell it! Details in the ad section. Cheers Gary
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 454
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on May 9, 2023 14:14:50 GMT
Thanks for your views and taking the time- pretty much echoing my own feelings. Cheers Gary
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 454
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on May 8, 2023 15:17:37 GMT
Now here’s a question that I thought I’d never ask. What are players’ and fellow luthiers’ views on using Pearloid rather than real Mother of pearl for inlays on instruments?
Whilst working on my Guyatone project I sourced some very nice Celluloid Pearloid that I thought would be appropriate for the instruments. I was very pleasantly surprised at how it was virtually impossible to tell it from the real thing and also what a delight it was to work.
These days, I no longer use bone for nuts and saddles, ethically preferring Tusq.
Just wondered what others thought- the ultimate question- “would pearloid inlays put you off of buying an instrument?”
Cheers Gary
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 454
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Apr 17, 2023 15:33:11 GMT
Just wanted to say thanks for the videos - I’ve recently built a couple of flat top mandolins using an h braced sound board and a bolt on neck, per Graham McDonald’s book. I was very interested in your approach to the neck joint and constructing the extension to support the desired neck angle, which may try to incorporate in a future build. Your craftsmanship and attention to detail is also inspiring. I notice in the videos you don’t deal with bracing the soundboard- are you able to share your approach? Hello Bob, Many thank for your kind words. Glad to hear that you’ve found videos useful. It took a lot of development to get the soundboard bracing right and I think I’ll be keeping that one to myself until I decided to retire! Cheers Gary
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 454
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Apr 17, 2023 15:28:05 GMT
What a fantastic piece of work! All those lovely details such as the mitres around the end graft really demonstrate your skills. And the photos are good too! I find it so hard to photograph shinny instruments. Nice one Oskar! Cheers Gary
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 454
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Feb 14, 2023 15:44:28 GMT
So, to complete the story, the Guyatone LG50 now has a new home. I was extremely pleased that it was purchased by a player who had owned one in the 1960’s and had fond memories of it. The restoration was an enjoyable project and the icing on the cake is to know that it is now with someone who really appreciates it.
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 454
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Jan 22, 2023 17:13:59 GMT
It was always going to be hard to put a value on the Guyatone LG50 restoration project. With any work of this nature, you’re going to take into consideration the time you’ve spent and the money you’ve invested when coming up with your price. However, in reality, the customer just sees the finished product and knows what it’s worth to him/her. Also, I’m aware that we are living through hard times and to many, a guitar is a luxury item. So, rather than having the Guyatone languishing in my workshop, I’m reducing the price to £750. Ultimately, it was all about bring this instrument back to life; I've done that and now it should be played and enjoyed! Full details and contact info here.Cheers Gary
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 454
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Dec 26, 2022 10:52:13 GMT
Look very cool- I've always had a soft spot for a Hofner! Cheers Gary
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 454
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Dec 17, 2022 11:06:01 GMT
So, this is it- the final chapter of my Guyatone project. Both guitars are now complete and ready to take their place in the wider world! The whole project took much longer than I thought it would, but I didn’t imagine that I get so involved and passionate about it either. Would I do it again, “Hell yes!” You’ll find more details about the guitars on the FOR SALE page of my website and also there’s PDF of my thoughts on the project. Thanks for all your support and interest with this one. Cheers Gary PS Happy Christmas!
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 454
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Nov 23, 2022 16:12:48 GMT
Thanks to Andy P I've stumbled across an auction for the contents of the Tony Zemaitis' Workshop. Some fascinating photos of his tools and workshop- nothing marked StewMac! Tony was the first luthier that I was ever aware of- I thought guitars came from factories! I guess he set me off my path.... Cheers Gary
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 454
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Nov 23, 2022 15:56:22 GMT
Nice guitar collection, but this leads to a the Tony Zemaitis workshop auction!! Cheers Gary
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 454
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Nov 5, 2022 17:14:11 GMT
Back in the day, an Alembic bass- just like Stanley Clarke's Cheers Gary
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 454
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Oct 28, 2022 15:23:28 GMT
The Guyatone LG50’s restoration has now been completed. When I look at it, I’ve almost forgotten all the work that it has taken to get to this stage. As I’ve said before, with restorations, the more time and care you put into it the less it looks like you’ve done any work! I’m super happy with the outcome; I’m not a great fan of over restoring so that the item looks like it’s new. So, this guitar still looks like it has had 65 years of hard living yet performs as well as any modern instrument. Although, in theory, it’s ready for me to put up for sale, I feel that I need to hold on to it until my version is completed. I can then do a comparison and come to the end of this long strange trip. Cheers Gary
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 454
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Oct 2, 2022 15:21:22 GMT
The last piece of the jigsaw, as far as my LG50 replica is concerned, is the bridge. The original is cast from some kind of alloy, which is a step too far for me and my workshop! So, I decided to hew it from a piece of aluminium. Many early bridges, such as Bigsby, were made from ally, so its quite appropriate. With the bridge made it’s time to get these guitars strung-up! Cheers Gary
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