In 2015 I started a Musical Instrument Making course at TAFE. This is my record of what I’ve done in that course and since.
I learned most about guitar making by doing the Instrument Making course at Tonsley TAFE. Unfortunately, TAFE have for some strange reason decided to discontinue that course (I thought it was very popular…go figure?!)
Anyway, Michael Snowden, who taught that course, has now set up his own business offering instruction on instrument making. Check out his website here: Adelaide Artisan Instrument Making. Guitar Making for everyone – Wood & Strings – Adelaide Artisan Instrument Making…
So despite my lack of motivation, I did make some progress this week.
I thought I had finished making jigs, having completed acoustic number 4 entirely in my home workshop…apparently not.
Number 4 had a dovetail joint for the neck, for which I bought a template from Stew Mac and build my own device for using it. Nothing wrong with the jig or template, but I swear I’m not doing another dovetail joint, they are just too difficult!
So for this build, I’m doing straight mortise and tenon joint with bolt on neck.
But, I needed the template to cut the mortise and tenon.…
I’ve been a bit unmotivated with the guitar making of late. Essentially because I have reached a bit of a blocker in the build process. You see, my daughter created a logo for me that I am putting on the heads of my guitars.
The one I put on my last build (Acoustic #4) was a bit dodgy. Basically I printed it on my inkjet printer onto sticky backed paper then carefully cut it out and stuck it onto the head plate. That was fine until the lacquer and sanding process leached some of the colour out of it as you can see.…
Earlier this year I negotiated with my employer to work 4 days a week, allowing me one day, Fridays, to spend in the workshop making guitars. So far it’s working out OK. A lot of those Fridays haven’t fully been spent on lutherie, or I’ve had medical appointments or lunch catch-ups with friends. I could probably have been more diligent about reserving Fridays just for lutherie.
Never the less, I have managed to punch out two bodies and start on two necks in that time, acoustic dreadnoughts number 5 and 6. I’m using timber I picked up from David Linton of Australian Guitar Timbers back in September 2019 when I was on holidays on the Sunshine Coast.…
This next build is taking me a long time to do. Started it in February 2018 while I was still doing the instrument making course at TAFE. My goal was and is to make the entire thing at home, which I have achieved so far. It’s taken so long because of a) lack of motivation and time and b) I have had to build lots of jigs and buy more tools in order to complete the job.
As of October 2019, the sound box is now complete. Papua New Guinea Rosewood back and sides with Silver Quandong top. The bindings and end graft are Tassie Blackwood and maple.…
Listening to the Luthier on Luthier podcast this morning about Jay Lichty and his guitars. Interesting the way they set up their business and ability to pick guitars based on tone and price. Some great designs too. lichtyguitars.com…
Interesting article about SA man Jim Redgate making world class guitars right here in Port Noarlunga: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/ipad/making-music/news-story/03af6084a69841a2009fbde62e9dfc25
(He also happens to share an interest in Chrysler products!)
As per last week except:
(Not at TAFE this week but picked up guitar to work on at home)