garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 454
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Jan 18, 2014 17:01:36 GMT
Hi Guys, A few more photo of the model 2 guitar taking shape. Cheers Gary PS Happy New Year to you all!
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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, 2013 10:42:31 GMT
Just like to say that I'm now offering my mandolins "The Standard" and "Standard Plus" with a wide neck option i.e. up to 35mm wide at the nut. 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 12, 2013 16:28:26 GMT
Hi Guys, I've completed the abalone rosette for this guitar. The oval sound hole presents its own challenges as each piece of abalone has different curve to it. There are quite a few more photos on my blog of the various stages in making it. 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 3, 2013 15:54:35 GMT
Hi Guys, Well the mandola and octave mandolin are now completed and below are a couple of photos for you. And here’s a video with a short demo just to tease you! There are a few more photos on my website and details of pricing for those who are interested Hope you like them! 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 30, 2013 15:41:07 GMT
Very nice!
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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 27, 2013 16:06:24 GMT
I saw this too, Dave and was quite impressed! But when you dig a bit deeper it appears that a Japanese instrument maker, Akio Obuchi , had sorted much of the design work out a few years ago. Have a look at this obuchi.music.coocan.jp/index-e.htmIf you click on the appropriate photo you'll see how to build one! 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 27, 2013 15:57:51 GMT
Thanks for your kind comments! All the wood is rosewood- just a trick of the light! 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 26, 2013 15:34:18 GMT
Here are the last few components for the mandola and octave mandolin. The bridges have removable bone saddles; although I always set-up my instruments, to what I consider the optimum, you never know if someone at some point will want to raise or lower the action and a removable saddle does allow for this. Those with keen eyes will notice that although the tailpieces look similar, the octave’s is slightly longer in both directions. For the side that anchors the tailpiece, this is entirely aesthetic and for the string side, this is to reduce the amount of open string between the saddle and tailpiece. Both the nuts are bone too. I’ve tried various synthetic materials, but always come back to bone. 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, 2013 16:59:28 GMT
You should have a look at some of Phil Hare's videos- plenty of dadgad examples. Phil Hare YouTubeCheers 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 19, 2013 16:50:11 GMT
Well Leo, where to begin! Carpet is definitely for the floor! Some visitors are surprised to see carpet on the workshop floor, but it does offer some protection to tools or fragile components that get dropped. Don’t like carpet on the bench, as the pile can hide sharp little pieces that can cause damage. I like a towel on the bench to protect whatever I’m working on (easy to pop in the washing machine!). Also I like the non-slip matting, but it can leave greasy marks on bare wood and an impression on soft finishes so use with caution! Other than that, my real favourite is my Mexican blanket but that’s reserved for finished instruments! 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 18, 2013 15:54:55 GMT
Question; How many guitars does a guitarist need? Answer: Just one more!
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 13, 2013 16:45:08 GMT
Hi Guys, Just got the sides bent....... A bit more detail on my latest blog postCheers 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 13, 2013 16:41:41 GMT
Hi Guys, I've just got the mandola playing "in the white"... Once the pick-up has been fitted, I'll strip it back down ready to apply the finish. There's a bit more detail in my latest blog postCheers 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 9, 2013 15:10:41 GMT
I’ve just been working on an abalone N logo inlay for the model 2 guitar. The shape is drawn freehand on the abalone; although each logo looks similar I like the idea that each one is subtly different adding to the uniqueness of the instrument and maybe reflecting the time when the instrument was made. After some careful marking out with a scalpel, I use my dremel to remove most of waste; you can only go so far before reverting to hand tools for the final shaping. If you use a black/ebony head overlay you can be less accurate as any large gaps can be filled with black epoxy; so more care is need on this rosewood head. The inlay is glued in with epoxy and once hard, any tiny gaps can filled with rosewood dust a CA glue. Hey presto! 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 7, 2013 16:22:43 GMT
There is no doubt that Carlton cases are great cases, I've had one for 30 odd years. But let's remember they are over 4 times the cost of a Hiscox- not quite a fair comparison in my opinion. Cheers Gary
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