Official Luthiers Forum!

Ok, let's try and get a bit more organized!
JJ wanted to go first with a hide glue demo...so:

1. Jj's glue-up demo "show"...
2. David Collins setup and repair talk
3. Mark's banjo neck making attempts

That's where we are so far, and of course subject to change. Anyone else have something? We hope so! C'mon, out with it!

I want to add that anyone who is showing or giving a talk doesn't need to be a big expert on the subject! I know that the banjo neck I am showing is only the second one I've made, and many of the things that I did on it are "first-time" operations for me and I hope to learn and welcome anyone who can show me a better way to get there. I believe JJ as well has said that he'd like some tips about using hide glue for tops and backs. Bringing up a subject and showing where you are and what you have done will help others to make helpful suggestions, so don't be shy. Of course, David now- he won't need any of our help!
Oh- and if anyone laughs at anyone else's work- a few of us will take him out behind Bryan's woodshed and give him an attitude adjustment. So don't be shy about speaking up and bringing what you've got!

_________________
Mark Swanson
Swanson Guitars
http://www.MarkSwansonMusic.com

Mark...I may have to modify my offer to do a HHG demo live. When I made the suggestion I wasn't really thinking about the logistical challenge. In order for me to do this, I would have to bring MY gobar deck (impossible) along with MY length-calibrated and numbered gobars. It will be more practical for me to either show a video or stills. In either case, I think you'll be able to get an idea of how I do it. And certainly...if anyone has suggestions for any improvements in technique, I'm totally open.

Thanks for organizing this meeting.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

I know these are getting rare, but I'd really like to see someone steam off a dovetail neck and reset it. Pretty please?

It sounds like there may be enough that I won't need to fill up too much
time, so I'll limit my presentation to setups at this point. Perhaps adding a
fret dress if time allows, but I think I couls quite easily fill an hour with
setup techniques. I'll bring up some of my cartridge heater setup if
anyone wants to see it, but won't plan on using them for any
demonstrations unless there is time to fill up.

There's no need try to cram too much in to a few hours, so I'll keep a list
of things I have to offer for future meetings. I'm making a display demo
board for slotted/unslotted bridge pins, plugs and patches and such with
several cut cross sections. This probably won't be finished for this
meeting anyway. I'd also be happy to do neck resets, bridge reglues,
bridge plate removal, etc., but would probably prefer to do most of this at
my own shop if we decide to hold a meeting there.

For now I could easily take a one hour block. Any clue as to how much
time the hide glue and banjo neck demonstrations will fill?

_________________
Eschew obfuscation, espouse elucidation.

It's all good, David. Thanks! BTW, having time to just hang out and ask questions is a good thing too, so if demos only take up a couple of hours or so, that's okay. I think most would agree, but if I'm wrong, please speak up.

David... 10-15 minutes for me but it always depends on how many questions or suggestions come up.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

I'm not too familiar with the poll function on the forum, but if someone
else here is (I'm guessing Lance probably knows how to do it ) it may
be good to get an estimated attendance list.

Something that totals the number of yes, likely and no answers along
with number of attendees would be nice, but since I doubt we will exceed
20-30 people I suppose totaling by hand should be within our grasp.


I was also wondering what the specific areas of interest for setups were. I
know most people here are acoustic oriented, but my approach and even
order of adjustments is very different for some different instruments.
Should I bring along a 7 1/4" radius Fender to demonstrate different
priorities, or are electrics not of much interest to most? Selmer/Macafarri
style Gypsy guitars are also a radically different setup style, then there's
banjos (open back or resonator), mandolins, basses, and Dobros each
with subtle to not so subtle differences in priorities.

Should I keep this down to flat top acoustic guitars, or perhaps just add a
brief Fender setup to the mix? I have a Tele in right now for a fret dress,
nut and setup I could bring, but I think time would limit what parts of that
could be fit in to this meeting.


David Collins39039.5625810185

_________________
Eschew obfuscation, espouse elucidation.

Those things sound good, David. At the last meeting there were quite a few electric guitar folks, so bring a tele or whatever you have around.
I'll be bringing the banjo that I just finished up. I'd like it if you took a look at it and gave me your thoughts and have a look at the set up on it. Feel free to say or do whatever you'd like for the benefit of the group with it.

_________________
Mark Swanson
Swanson Guitars
http://www.MarkSwansonMusic.com