Search found 156 matches

by Bob_H
Wed Nov 29, 2023 8:07 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: On my bench at the moment…
Replies: 2
Views: 11664

Re: On my bench at the moment…

Had to flash up the dehumidifier for the first time in a while, but otherwise keeping well!
by Bob_H
Wed Nov 29, 2023 6:21 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: On my bench at the moment…
Replies: 2
Views: 11664

On my bench at the moment…

Two mandolins in the finishing stage. One is Tassie Blackwood and Engelmann spruce with a Macassar ebony fingerboard, the other is Camphor Laurel, Engelmann spruce with a ziricote fingerboard. River oak binding and headstocks. I’ve been applying hardened shellac for a few days and just about ready f...
by Bob_H
Wed Nov 29, 2023 6:07 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: OM size Nylon String Crossover
Replies: 32
Views: 101710

Re: OM size Nylon String Crossover

Nice, and interesting. Will be keen to see the neck joint progress. Would it be fine on a steel string as well?
by Bob_H
Thu Nov 09, 2023 8:27 pm
Forum: Jigs & Fixtures
Topic: Neck Bolt Hole Borer
Replies: 2
Views: 6293

Re: Neck Bolt Hole Borer

Thanks - nice work!
by Bob_H
Wed Nov 08, 2023 8:03 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: The Cockatoo "000'
Replies: 8
Views: 16218

Re: The Cockatoo "000'

Taffy Evans wrote:
Wed Nov 08, 2023 5:25 pm
Hi Bob, I was always a bit concerned about disclosing this method many years ago as it was not the done thing, but then I saw Taylor Guitars was doing it so I felt better then.

I'll have to show my dedicated drilling machine for doing the neck holes.
Cheers Taff
I'd be interested in seeing them!
by Bob_H
Wed Nov 08, 2023 12:49 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: The Cockatoo "000'
Replies: 8
Views: 16218

Re: The Cockatoo "000'

Thanks Taff. R.M. Mottola, who is technology editor and a contributing editor for American Lutherie, advocates this method in his book Building the Steel String Acoustic Guitar. I used it on my most recent guitar build, and while I found it a challenge to get the inserts dead square, I was pretty ha...
by Bob_H
Tue Nov 07, 2023 5:41 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: The Cockatoo "000'
Replies: 8
Views: 16218

Re: The Cockatoo "000'

A very nice bit of kit. Interested colours in the New Guinee Rosewood. Can I ask what the neck attachement is, and what finish you have used?
by Bob_H
Sun Oct 15, 2023 7:50 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: European spruce QLD Maple classical & backwood and sitca med jumbo
Replies: 5
Views: 19812

Re: European spruce QLD Maple classical & Backwoods and sitca med jumbo

Nice work - some lovely figure on the timber! What finish are you using?
by Bob_H
Tue Oct 03, 2023 3:59 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Octave mandolin
Replies: 12
Views: 27349

Re: Octave mandolin

Hard shellac finish, neck on, tuners fitted. Will let it rest for a day or two before fitting the bridge and saddle. I find this part of the prcoess very difficult, as I simply want finish as quickly as possible so I can play the instrument and hear its music! IMG_3950.jpeg IMG_3948.jpeg IMG_3947.jp...
by Bob_H
Tue Oct 03, 2023 3:53 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Mandolin in Engelmann Spruce and RIver Oak (redux)
Replies: 10
Views: 36808

Re: Mandolin in Engelmann Spruce and RIver Oak (redux)

I use bridges made by Vern Brekke. Mandolin, mandola and Octave mandolin, carved top or flat top. They are adjustable but don't use thumb wheels and are adjustable via two allen screws that move two wedges in or out. Very neat design, and Vern can make them to your specifications in terms of bridge...
by Bob_H
Tue Oct 03, 2023 10:11 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Mandolin in Engelmann Spruce and RIver Oak (redux)
Replies: 10
Views: 36808

Re: Mandolin in Engelmann Spruce and RIver Oak (redux)

They both look lovely Bob. What are your thoughts about the two different bridge styles that you have used on them? One adjustable with thumb wheels. The other fixed height and looks lighter. I am quite a novice in mandolin style instruments and don't know the pros and cons of each type. Thanks Mar...
by Bob_H
Mon Oct 02, 2023 6:27 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Mandolin in Engelmann Spruce and RIver Oak (redux)
Replies: 10
Views: 36808

Re: Mandolin in Engelmann Spruce and RIver Oak (redux)

lamanoditrento wrote:
Mon Oct 02, 2023 4:15 pm
Even tho the pic of the back is a still image, I can almost see the shimmer of that river oak and the the finish. Well done
Thanks Trent. I think this one is a keeper - it's possibly the best I've made technically and musically, and it looks lovely, Bit scared to play it though!
by Bob_H
Thu Sep 14, 2023 3:38 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Octave mandolin
Replies: 12
Views: 27349

Re: Octave mandolin

Binding on - went with the lighter colouring of the maple. Quite pleased with how it is progressing! I am a big fan of the zero fret - I just can't think of any really good reason not to use one, and I have used on guitars, mandolins and ukuleles. I have been very happy with their playability and th...
by Bob_H
Tue Sep 12, 2023 3:23 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Octave mandolin
Replies: 12
Views: 27349

Re: Octave mandolin

I have closed it up, and trimmed the overhang. I have finished most of the shaping work on the neck, attached a fretted fingerboard, and bolted it up to check fit. Happy with how it is coming together, so time to settle on binding and rout some binding channels.
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by Bob_H
Tue Sep 12, 2023 2:23 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Octave mandolin
Replies: 12
Views: 27349

Re: Octave mandolin

Ahh, I can see that you don’t really need any advice from the rest of us to pull off a great result. Pore filling and then shellac? Will look great, but lots of work. I thought you had become a convert to hard wax oil finishes (and I see that bottle of TruOil on your shelf)? BTW, it looks like you ...
by Bob_H
Tue Sep 12, 2023 2:09 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Midnight Blue - A Rod Octigan Build
Replies: 1
Views: 8792

Re: Midnight Blue - A Rod Octigan Build

Great looking, and sounding, instrument.
by Bob_H
Sun Sep 10, 2023 7:36 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Octave mandolin
Replies: 12
Views: 27349

Re: Octave mandolin

That is a lovely looking instrument Bob. I did one like that from GM’s book a few years ago and really enjoyed it ( my first build that wasn’t a guitar). That stripy walnut is pretty stunning. With black bindings it would look very smart. That shape does not require as much tight bending as a guita...
by Bob_H
Sat Sep 09, 2023 12:20 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Octave mandolin
Replies: 12
Views: 27349

Re: Octave mandolin

Nice work Bob. If you're going with ebony for the bindings be prepared for some heart aches bending the stuff. Thanks. I have used ebony binding a few times now, and found the bending to be a bit tricky, and that care is needed to stop black dust marking your soundboard. The result can be very nice...
by Bob_H
Fri Sep 08, 2023 6:33 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Octave mandolin
Replies: 12
Views: 27349

Octave mandolin

I have been getting a great deal of pleasure from learning to build and play the mandolin, so have decided to add an octave mandolin to the family. It is a 20 15/16 inch scale length, lattice braced with a pin bridge, drawing on the techniques and plans in Graham McDonald's "The Bouzouki Book". Soun...
by Bob_H
Thu Aug 31, 2023 5:21 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Mandolin in Engelmann Spruce and RIver Oak (redux)
Replies: 10
Views: 36808

Re: Mandolin in Engelmann Spruce and RIver Oak (redux)

Bob, these mandolins look great and are built excellently built! I like the hard shellac finish. Wayne Thanks Wayne. The hard shellac finish has loads of potential - just need to up my execution. Pore filling on this one could have been better, but I like the fact that it is an achievable gloss fin...
by Bob_H
Wed Aug 30, 2023 5:01 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Mandolin in Engelmann Spruce and RIver Oak (redux)
Replies: 10
Views: 36808

Mandolin in Engelmann Spruce and RIver Oak (redux)

Just completed the second of two mandolins in Englemann Spruce and River Oak. This one has a ziricote finger board and ebony binding and is finished with hardened shellac. IMG_3869.jpeg IMG_3870.jpeg IMG_3871.jpeg It's twin has an ebony fingerboard and blackwood binding and is finished in Osmo PolyX...
by Bob_H
Thu Aug 24, 2023 9:13 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: LMI is closing its doors.
Replies: 10
Views: 24632

Re: LMI is closing its doors.

Yes, very disappointing. Does anyone know of an alternative provider for custom cut fret boards? Their service was very reasonably priced, with good variety.
by Bob_H
Mon Aug 14, 2023 12:19 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: While we are talking Mandolins
Replies: 1
Views: 8187

Re: While we are talking Mandolins

It has to be nice to see your creations having a life of their own. The freight is certainly interesting!
by Bob_H
Wed Aug 09, 2023 3:15 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Mandolin in Engelmann Spruce and River Oak
Replies: 1
Views: 8420

Mandolin in Engelmann Spruce and River Oak

Strung up this morning, 14.75 inch scale length mandolin. Engelmann Spruce and River Oak, Blackwood binding. Neck is Sipo Mahogany, with a ziricote fingerboard with ebony binding. Rubner tuners. Osmo PolyX 3011 finish
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by Bob_H
Mon Aug 07, 2023 8:53 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Help with OSMO PolyX
Replies: 6
Views: 14436

Re: Help with OSMO PolyX

Thanks Mark