Search found 1072 matches

by Mark McLean
Wed Feb 25, 2015 7:22 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Strings
Replies: 18
Views: 18282

Re: Strings

"The definitely don't buy in Australia!" line I find very offensive. When you have your face pushed up against the glass wondering what happened to your favourite local Guitar Shop, you can console yourself in the fact that he had it coming for being to dear? Fact is wholesalers/retailers in Austra...
by Mark McLean
Tue Feb 24, 2015 10:15 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Strings
Replies: 18
Views: 18282

Re: Strings

+1 for Elixir. I like Nanoweb Custom Light 11-52 But definitely don't buy them over the counter in Australia. There are plenty of online suppliers where you can get them for a fraction of the local price. I use Strings and Beyond. Elixirs are currently 8 sets for $US100 - plus shipping, but that is ...
by Mark McLean
Fri Jan 30, 2015 10:01 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Split bridge & top
Replies: 10
Views: 13555

Re: Split bridge & top

Hi Frank It seems that this guitar has lived a bit since you gave birth to it. That is a good thing, right. We don't want our creations to be kept under the bed. However, if it has copped a bit of a hiding that is not your responsibility to rectify. My thoughts are not those of an expert repairer, o...
by Mark McLean
Sat Jan 10, 2015 10:19 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Mandolin Progress
Replies: 7
Views: 6738

Re: Mandolin Progress

Looking very good Kim.
by Mark McLean
Sun Jan 04, 2015 2:44 pm
Forum: Anything Goes
Topic: Art other than guitars
Replies: 4
Views: 7065

Re: Art other than guitars

Nice work Martin.

I also thought that the Chuck Close exhibition at the MCA great! Just phenominal vision and talent - not to mention maintaining his incredible creativity after becoming virtually quadriplegic.
by Mark McLean
Tue Dec 30, 2014 7:44 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: L - 00
Replies: 4
Views: 7042

Re: L - 00

Wow - that is different from the average L-00, but in a cool/funky way. How is the rosewood neck? Heavy? Could be good for sustain.
Did you need to make any other structural mods in altering the upper bouts?
cheers
Mark
by Mark McLean
Mon Dec 22, 2014 6:15 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Ukulele Tenor
Replies: 4
Views: 7108

Re: Ukulele Tenor

That is a really interesting and effective combination of timbers. I don't think I have ever seen a mahogany top with anything other than mahogany for the back and sides. It really looks good, especially with the black binding. Nice one!
by Mark McLean
Mon Dec 22, 2014 6:08 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Experimental Model C
Replies: 3
Views: 6513

Re: Experimental Model C

This is a really nice cross-fertilization of ideas! I am incredibly jealous that both of you have the actual building of the instruments so well perfected (the materials, joinery and finishing look superb) - so that the exercise can then be all about the design elements. That must be a really satisf...
by Mark McLean
Mon Dec 22, 2014 5:53 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: L1 style guitar
Replies: 11
Views: 15277

Re: L1 style guitar

That is a really nice job Luke. I have always liked the old-timey look of the the L1 design, and the way it is all curves and no straight lines. I also like how your more modern bridge shape sits with the overall aesthetic. The rest of the features are really understated, which is just right. Did yo...
by Mark McLean
Sun Dec 14, 2014 5:25 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: An Australian Luthier in Paris
Replies: 23
Views: 23776

Re: An Australian Luthier in Paris

Wow Bob - that place looks like a top spot. I can imagine that you would have been inventing any excuse just to hang around for a few hours longer, but it might have cost you a lot in shoes. I will definitely write that address down as a high priority for my next visit to Paris - but God knows when ...
by Mark McLean
Sat Dec 06, 2014 11:11 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Archtop Ukulele
Replies: 16
Views: 18956

Re: Archtop Ukulele

Hi Miguel.
The uke looks awesome. Very individual.
And I love the idea of the go-bar deck under the bench. I have never seen that before. Great space saver.
Mark
by Mark McLean
Tue Nov 25, 2014 5:47 am
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Maurice 12 string
Replies: 12
Views: 18252

Re: Maurice 12 string

Hi Mauri
I'm impressed also by that feat of engineering and 3D design. Would you do it again, or recommend it to another customer?
Mark
by Mark McLean
Thu Nov 13, 2014 10:45 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Stew Mac & Water based finishes
Replies: 22
Views: 21389

Re: Stew Mac & Water based finishes

I have used shipito.com
It is a good service and easy to use. It is particularly useful if you are buying multiple items from different suppliers as they can consolidate multiple packages into one before shipping it out of the US. Saves a lot on postage.
by Mark McLean
Sat Nov 08, 2014 12:41 pm
Forum: Anything Goes
Topic: My new hobby. First result
Replies: 21
Views: 24695

Re: My new hobby. First result

Hi Nick. I am a keen cook and a few years ago I picked up two great Japanese knives from Aritsugu when I was visiting Kyoto. Those knives were a real relevation to me, compared to the average ones from a department store that we are all used to. It is exactly like the first experience of playing a g...
by Mark McLean
Thu Nov 06, 2014 6:04 am
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Bubinga/Sitka tenor guitar
Replies: 5
Views: 7628

Re: Bubinga/Sitka tenor guitar

Hi Martin. GDAE worked best for this one. When I first strung it up I tried CGDA but didn't like it. Firstly, the string tension was high and rather hard to play - especially when compared to the six string instruments that I am used to, where I often tune down to open D or DADGAD. Also, the higher ...
by Mark McLean
Wed Nov 05, 2014 9:29 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Bubinga/Sitka tenor guitar
Replies: 5
Views: 7628

Bubinga/Sitka tenor guitar

This is my 5th build. A friend requested that I make her a tenor guitar as she has very small hands and liked the narrow neck of a tenor. I didn't know much about them but did a bit of research and designed this based on a L-OO body (Gibson made a lot of L-OO tenors back in the day). It has a 23 inc...
by Mark McLean
Sun Oct 26, 2014 10:42 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: HIGH MOUNTAIN TONEWOOD: INTRODUCTORY SALE
Replies: 38
Views: 34810

Re: HIGH MOUNTAIN TONEWOOD: INTRODUCTORY SALE

I just really wanted to build one small guitar Yeah - that never happens. Now you are buying more tonewood (TAS beginning already), and looking at luthier forums on the other side of the world. I bet you are checking out the StewMac site regularly for new tools that you have just got to have. Hooke...
by Mark McLean
Wed Oct 22, 2014 10:15 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Finished first Acoustic guitar
Replies: 14
Views: 14378

Re: Finished first Acoustic guitar

That is a beauty Ross.
I like the body shape - small bodied and drop-shouldered. Did you follow a plan, or is that your own design?
cheers
Mark
by Mark McLean
Thu Oct 16, 2014 6:02 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Bending Brazilian Lacewood sides
Replies: 11
Views: 12784

Re: Bending Brazilian Lacewood sides

BTW, where can one get SS2 around here? :lol: Carbatec sell stuff labelled "Veneer Softener" from a company called Rivergum Timbers. I understand that this is Super-Soft II, rebadged for sale in Australia. This is what I used and was happy with it. http://www.carbatec.com.au/special-veneer-softener...
by Mark McLean
Wed Oct 15, 2014 9:30 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Bending Brazilian Lacewood sides
Replies: 11
Views: 12784

Re: Bending Brazilian Lacewood sides

I tried Super-Soft 2 to achieve a cutaway bend on some figured timbers, and have also used it to make veneers pliable. My experience is only anecdotal, but I think it is helpful. There is not much expense or potential for damage, so I think Super-Soft is worth a try on timber that just doesn't want ...
by Mark McLean
Wed Oct 08, 2014 10:46 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: HIGH MOUNTAIN TONEWOOD: INTRODUCTORY SALE
Replies: 38
Views: 34810

Re: HIGH MOUNTAIN TONEWOOD: INTRODUCTORY SALE

Ditto
Five sets of 2A arrived here today also, in fine condition. Packaged well, looks like lovely timber, and rings like a gong. I am happy.

Mark
by Mark McLean
Tue Sep 30, 2014 11:33 am
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: "Rose Cliche"
Replies: 12
Views: 17627

Re: "Rose Cliche"

Very nice Jim - the instrument and the playing.
Does the neck bolt right through to the back or is it an internal arangement?
cheers
Mark
by Mark McLean
Mon Sep 01, 2014 5:40 am
Forum: Tutorials
Topic: Alligning binding at the centreline
Replies: 3
Views: 21022

Re: Alligning binding at the centreline

WDITOTB?
Nice one!
by Mark McLean
Sun Aug 31, 2014 9:47 am
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Blackheart Sassafras Baritone Uke
Replies: 12
Views: 13769

Re: Blackheart Sassafras Baritone Uke

It is all great, of course, but the clean butt joint with no end graft needed is what really made me smile!
Mark
by Mark McLean
Sun Aug 31, 2014 9:35 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: A bit of fun
Replies: 27
Views: 25059

Re: A bit of fun

Like it a lot. The plastic trim actually looks good in this context, I think