This issues cover we see a rare trio of Dyer harp guitars. From the left they are a Style 8, ca. 1917; a Style 7, ca. 1917; and a Style 6, ca. 1913. All were in the shop of Portland, Oregon luthier Kerry Char at the same time, read all about Kerry in this issue.
Controlling Soundboard Development by Larry Mills
Larry Mills has developed a method for holding guitar soundboards while their braces are being trimmed which, he feels, gives better and more immediate feedback to the luthier. He conducted an experiment at a recent Midwest Luthiers Guild meeting.
The Heretic's Guide to Alternative Lutherie Woods by John Calkin
John Calkin has opinions about wood choices which are a bit outside the mainstream. Briefly, he says everything you know is wrong. But hold off on plans for burning him at the stake until you hear him out and try some of his recommendations.
Battery-Powered Instrument Amplifiers by Joseph Ennis
Joseph Ennis makes wicked little guitar amps using the batteries from remote-controlled race cars. In this issue he gives you the whole lowdown including info on speaker box design, and a full circuit schematic.
Meet the Maker: Kerry Char by Jonathon Peterson
Kerry Char has a reputation as the guy who works on the weird stuff. But it is weird and wonderful stuff, like the Dyer harp guitars on the cover, or the Knutsen harp guitar in this picture. Kerry also builds, and is a reformed baggage handler. Read his story in this issue.
The Search for the Lute Maker's Donkey by Andrew Atkinson
What's a lute maker's donkey? As soon as Andrew Atkinson finds out, he'll let us know. He is doing research to build an authentic Elizabethan-era luthier's shop. The picture shows a 1425 painting which depicts St. Joseph at work with his Renaissance woodworking tools.
A Method for Specifying Contours of an Arched Plate by R.M. Mottola
R.M. Mottola steps us through the process of plotting the contour lines for carving an arched guitar top, complete with cutaway.
Lutherie Trivia by Ervin Somogyi
Why is the runout in trees always clockwise? What's the dark secret of Padauk? Three roads diverged in a Roman wood, and Ervin Somogyi takes us farther down each than we may have reasonably expected.
Kit Review: Musicmaker's Regency Harp by John Calkin
Ever consider building a large harp from a kit? No? Well, that's what we are here for: to boldly go where few luthiers have gone before. John Calkin found out that building (and tuning) the Musicmakers Regency harp kit was a rich and satisfying adventure.
Product Reviews by Harry Fleishman
Now that thickness sanders have moved from being specialty items home-made by desperate luthiers, to being available at The Home Depot, Harry Fleishman compares and contrasts two popular and affordable models.
CAD Notebook by Dana Bourgeois
Dana Bourgeois continues his "CAD Notebook" column with an episode on drawing a one-inch fret scale. Find out why! He also explains a few basic concepts of CNC machines.
