Australian/New Zealand Luthiers Forum

Here's an unusual one that has presented some challenges. Babinga if you haven't worked with it before has absolutely enormous pores when it comes to filling. Plus it's more than difficult to bend, expecially when it has figure in it. But otherwise it's been pretty smooth sailing.

The bindings are curly Jarrah, block inlays in the fret board and rosette are some Red Mallee burl. Ebony fret board, bridge and head plate veneers. Spalted Qld. Siver Ash bridge veneer detail.

High gloss lacquer finish, and strung up with Worth Browns low G.

Bloody good job Allen, not too fussed on the full gloss finish, I think your Satin gloss pops that beautiful timber better, but hey, the customer knows best!!
How did you bend that curly Babinga, side mold or hot iron?

Gaz

For the last few years, with the tight bends on my body shape, I bend everything on the pipe to being very close to the correct shape, then set the shape on the form witht he heat blanket. It's what quite a few of my uke building colleagues are doing.

Looking Good Allen.
Another ripper
How do you find the sound with side sound port compared to one without?

cheers Ross

I'd say the player gets a little bit more feedback from the soundport. No idea if it changes what the audience hears as I haven't done a comparison.

Beautiful

I thought, that grey spruce is attractive maybe I'll get some. 30 seconds later:

That's right. It'll take your breath away at how expensive it is now.