Australian/New Zealand Luthiers Forum

Hi folks, not been on the site for a while busy with gigs going to TAFE. A friend wants me to build him an 8 string slide instrument I asked him how about a reso instrument perhaps out of a hub cap or cigar box because I know about them 8). But he is keen on a lap slide. Does anyone know where is th...

I always look at garage sales/markets etc for my tools and often materials too Cool before I buy new as you can often get a bargin. My router is an older Japan made Roybi paid $50 bargain. I never had used one before and it was a bit scary at first although have lots of experience with power tools f...

Wow, this is a real work of art Nick.
I too have enjoyed your posts re the build and have learnt a lot.
thanks for posting.

I like the nifty neck joint Bob, did you have to make up longer truss rods?

they both look good to my eye Nick. Very artistic with your builds have you ever made jewellery? Can't really decide what is my preference. Perhaps the top one, if around the jack plug there was some black as well.

alright plain old metho now feel better thanks,
I have had the same problem.

Hi Bob,
It all sounds great on my little computer speakers.Well done and I like the production vocals are well placed in the mix and sound great.

Perhaps we can do a CD swap My CD features 3 of my wacko home made instruments.

Looks fantastic Allan as all your builds. How is the volume compared to your more trad type uke's?

Hi Bob, how is this one coming along? really keen to hear how it sounds when plugged in to your amp or PA, hope you can post some sound files.
Too bad the mando cousin has suffered a set back with the neck build makes me feel better though that the serious builders have there wows too

Thanks for finding the thread guys. Here is the finished mandolin,Sounds great. Had a few mandolin players have ago at the Uranquinty folk festival all loved it for various reasons. Dave O,Neil thought it was cool a great sounding Celtic mandolin were his words :D Had my mate give it a run last Sund...

This is the final re-constructed message of this topic posted by the ANZLF help team. Hi all, here is a pic of the build so far its a cedar top forgot to take a pic of my bracing but is typical of F sound hole mandolins i have spied on the net. the sound hole design was done by my partner and it wa...

Thanks Jim. Have yet to try or develop any inlay skills, excellent idea though. Have seen a banjo VW hub cap project with the head stock shaped like a Combi Van, tuners where the wheels are etc. I perhaps could go the hippie flower power look. I have a few artist friends that are good with a paint b...

Thanks Nick, Glad folks like what I am into, it perhaps a change from what we usually see posted. I know every one seems to have a good sense of humour and fun. I am into the same sort of gear as Sea Sick Steve. Haven't tried two hub caps together yet but have certainly thought about. I have made a ...

You are viewing a re-constructed thread by the ANZLF recovery team. For more information click here . Hi Folks, thought I should show a couple of pics of my latest silly instrument. I have been thinking about a VW hub cap Mandolin for a while so started to put things together its very early doors a...

Hi Allan, thanks for your reply but after having another look I am curious on how you got the colour on the Qld Maple neck? I am a tad colour blind but it looks very close the Tiger Myrtle.
The Qld maple I have is very different.
Thanks

Fantastic Allen, thanks for sharing.
Do you plan any new guitar designs after these uke builds?

looks fantastic Allan. Do think the bunya top makes this small body guitar louder than other tops you have used.
I have only played a couple of instruments with Bunya tops i remember one was a parlour or 000 and was impressed with its volume great for finger style blues.

As with everyone that has posted its fun to watch and learn too.
Matthew have you kept any record of the hours you have spent on this repair
so far?

Hey Matthew, this is fascinating as well as a good laugh to watch this job unfold full marks for posting and putting up with the likes of Martin Very Happy Anyhow, I start to think who has played and owned this instrument where it has been around the world, its history. No dought some poor blues pla...

I have not made a proper guitar as yet but have dabbled in a few odd creations. Its been fun sharing them with you all I consider the fun ideas as a sort of apprenticeship before i build an all timber instrument. I may rave on a bit as I am full of drugs pain killers broke my collar bone a week ago ...

I am sure we are all going to enjoy watching you fix this one Matthew the customer must have a bag of money Shocked
What would an instrument like this in good playing condition sell for?
Keep up the pics

Hi John, Thanks for that link re U Bass very cool and sounded great on the web site video. I hadn't heard of them and do now want my own You will need a dedicated bass amp I don't think the acoustic amps mentioned in this thread will handle the low bass frequencies I would think they are more for gu...

Hi Michael, have not used either amps you mentioned but the Roland has rave reviews. Have a friend that has a SWR California blonde that sounds great. Not knowing what your set up is or needs re gigging etc sometimes i think a quality powered speaker box and a little mixer is a good option that is a...

Allen wrote:
So, to extapolate here. Could I make a soprano uke from a garden trowel?


A man of your skill could do it Allan, but might have to be a hybrid model with steel stings for your magnetic pick up.

Shocked I love it, wonder if he has the hole garden range of instruments.
Not really into the Russian or what ever it is heavy metal music.
Shovel blues would be better Cool