Australian/New Zealand Luthiers Forum

Hi Guys, I have not been a frequent visitor to this forum in recent years only because I have been so busy launching Guitar Templates. Now if this post in in breech of rules I'm sure Martin will take it down but I didn't come here to advertise. I saw the post and wanted to respond as a supplier. Tou...

It is hard to find objective/scientific studies on the topic of tone and what drives it. This may not be the most scientifically rigorous trial but I like his efforts and I'm not surprised by the results. I would suggest that after the quality of the pickups and other electronics, the next most impo...

Hi Has anyone got a copy of the book "Left Brain Lutherie" by David Hurd that you'd be happy to part with? Getting one from David turns out to be stupidly expensive with postage cost at present (USD80 for postage on tp of the book cost).

Send me a message if you can help out.

Andrew

A forum member mate of mine referred a guy to me. He is looking for some assistance in getting the sides of a couple of guitars bent as he had run into problems and was afraid of breaking more of the expensive wood he had purchased. I was happy to oblige and invited him to visit. It was then that I ...

A few years ago I bought the LMI bridge clamp and drove it with a very expensive (circa $1k) Festool vac pump. It worked great but there were a few things about it that I didn't like. After some thought, research, and several prototypes I came up with my own version. It is driven by compressed air v...

Nice work Trent. Congrats. AA

Thanks Graham, Order sent.

If you're working from a plan, or even if you've drawn your own, you will have a body depth at the neck block and at the tail block; (usually) deeper at the tail block. These two dimensions and the back radius you choose determine where the deepest part of the body is. You don't need to worry about...

Grahm,

I see the Kickstarter project didn't proceed, sadly. I would still like to get a copy (or the e-book) if you have it available. Please let us know.

Andrew

I can supply accurately CNC machined radius dishes in Brisbane and can post Australia-wide. Get in touch via Armstronglutherie.com.au

Ray, I suggest you call Grant Langley who is the Mirotone Technical advisor. He is very helpful when it comes to their products. His number is 0412 469 901.

AA

OK, this is probably a word to the already wise but I thought it was worth mentioning... One of my students is making a multi-scale instrument (Fan fret) and he (on his 4th build and a very competent woodworker) used the fret scale calculator at ekips.org to get it laid out accurately. The site allo...

Interested. In Brisbane. PM sent.

Hi Pete, I don't have an immediate suggestion but can offer the following: First I got some Rothko & Frost from GuitarAust a few years ago and tried it and didn't get great results but then it was only a one-off test spray and I didn't invest a lot of time in it. I heard from them about a year ago t...

Thanks Simso. Apologies for the long delay in replying to your great response - I got distracted and ended up doing it much like you show but I used CA glue.

Another Brisbane machine supplier is Gregory's at Richlands. Talk to Cameron. They don't try to compete with Hare & Forbes or Carbatec so carry better quality gear. Yep, costs a little more.

Like Bruce experienced my recent StewMac orders have included a 10% Ohio Tax which I assumed is how they use their existing systems to collect GST. Whether or not they pass it on the the ATO is an unknown.

Here's one for those of you who are into repairs and anyone who is familiar with how Martin glue on bindings - particularly more recent models. I get quite a few of guitars - especially Martins both recent and old - that have the bindings coming off. The one I have at present seems to have barely an...

Good idea Wayne. Side braces/splints get little attention compared to their more important relatives supporting tops and backs. It seems all manner of approaches have been tried from linen lath to precisely shaped and, presumably, positioned wooden braces. I have looked for some well-founded technic...

Hi Ken, do you know if they're available in M5 and if so where can be bought. These are normally M6 which is too big for this particular application.

See my post under things for sale. I took things into my own hands and ordered a pallet load before carbatec listed them. Was wanting to supply Aussie luthiers with a fair priced alternative. Matching their price. PM me if you'd like one.
Andrew

A couple of shots from the course..

Over the ANZAC Day long weekend just past, ten eager guitar builders gathered at the Australian Guitar Making School in Brisbane to learn everything they could about modal tuning of acoustic guitars from the man himself, Trevor Gore. Every one was engaged throughput and all went away enthusiastic ab...

Yes Martin for you there is a propeller hat. Send me your booking fee and tell me what colour hat you want.

Trevor Gore will be running his 3-day modal tuning course in Brisbane on 23, 24 and 25 April 2016. The course will be held at the workshop of Armstrong Lutherie/Australian Guitar Making School in Sumner Park conveniently located just off the Centenary Highway. The investment is $750 and places are s...