Posted on August 1, 2022May 22, 2025 by Dale Phillips Product Reviews: Knilling Perfection Planetary Pegs Product Reviews: Knilling Perfection Planetary Pegs Reviewed by Randy DeBey Originally published in American Lutherie #100, 2009 By now, just about everyone who works with stringed instruments has at least heard of Pegheds or Knilling Perfection Planetary Pegs. These are geared tuning pegs that look very much like ordinary ebony friction pegs, but work more like fine tuners. They contain a set of planetary gears, which reduce the rotation by a rate of 4:1 for violin family instruments and flamenco guitars, and 16:1 for steel string guitars. Those who haven’t yet taken the plunge and installed a set are probably waiting to have various concerns answered. I’ll try to explain how they are constructed, so you can imagine for yourself how well they might work, and also relate some of my own experience with them. I’ve installed over 100 of the pegs, mostly in violins, but also in cellos, ouds, a banjo, and a guitar. Become A Member to Continue Reading This Article This article is part of our premium web content offered to Guild members. To view this and other web articles, join the Guild of American Luthiers. Members also receive 4 annual issues of American Lutherie and get discounts on products. For details, visit the membership page. If you are already a member, login for access or contact us to setup your account.
Posted on August 1, 2022May 19, 2025 by Dale Phillips Lutherie Binge? Lutherie Binge? by Dake Traphagen Originally published in Guild of American Luthiers Quarterly, 5, #4, 1977 Well somehow I’ve survived my first but not last, European experience, which Tim Olsen dubbed a “Lutherie Binge” in Vol. 5, No. 2. From my perspective, I think the phraseology could be better put as a Life Experience Binge. After all, let’s not limit ourselves to being only luthiers; or at least if we want to view ourselves as being luthiers, let’s expand the term to encompass all other experiences which connect ourselves to our Luthiership. So what about my European Experience? Ten hour jet flight, what a slow method of transportation; Galliards of royalty traversing the English countryside. While resting in the dark forest; was that a Hobbit or maybe an elf? The Mediterranean’s salty, yet beautiful swimming; but where were the troubadour guitarists of Spain: only me expectations? A lot of flamboyant people and machine guns however... Majestic, cultured, the arts of Arts of western conception, if only one wouldn’t be so coined American; such is the way Paris... Oh yes! The ferry’s cooling rushing air and rolling boat with rain, sun, spray, and lovely people enjoying; except for a few green faces, but who knows, maybe they enjoyed being green. Become A Member to Continue Reading This Article This article is part of our premium web content offered to Guild members. To view this and other web articles, join the Guild of American Luthiers. Members also receive 4 annual issues of American Lutherie and get discounts on products. For details, visit the membership page. If you are already a member, login for access or contact us to setup your account.
Posted on August 1, 2022May 19, 2025 by Dale Phillips Separating Glued Joints Separating Glued Joints by Nick Hayden Originally published as Guild of American Luthiers Data Sheet #7, 1975 Here’s a good method for separating glue. I’ve taken so many tops off without breaking, it isn’t even funny. First of all, you have to get white vinegar, then heat it up. It has to be hot. Work it into the glue joint. Use a razor knife and a small brush. The glue will turn white and you can work it loose. I told this to Bill Spigelsky, and he couldn’t get over it, when he tried it. ◆
Posted on August 1, 2022May 19, 2025 by Dale Phillips Harpsichord Basics Harpsichord Basics by J.R. Beall Originally published in Guild of American Luthiers Newsletter Volume 1, #2, 1973 Almost since the beginning of my career as a luthier, I have been obsessed with the desire to build harpsichords. My inclinations were, however, met with a great deal of difficulty resultig from the fact that in my part of the country, harpshichords and their makers are rare. After quite a long period of dilligent investigation, I did manage to compile a list of information on the subject and was able, successfully, to build my first instrument. The completion of my own scratchbuilt harpsichord was one of the most exciting and satisfying occurences of my career as a luthier, and I recommend it highly to those of you with similar aspirations. Become A Member to Continue Reading This Article This article is part of our premium web content offered to Guild members. To view this and other web articles, join the Guild of American Luthiers. Members also receive 4 annual issues of American Lutherie and get discounts on products. For details, visit the membership page. If you are already a member, login for access or contact us to setup your account.
Posted on August 1, 2022May 19, 2025 by Dale Phillips Foam Cases Foam Cases by Reagan Cole Originally published as Guild of American Luthiers Data Sheet #62, 1978 These paper-styrene laminates are very strong. I can safely sit on a board made up of 1” foam and two sides of cardboard. It is most convenient to use cloth hinges, elastic, snaps and velcro in your closure system. Styrene laminates also make good forms for laminating forms in vacuum presses. No deformation, as gas pressure in the foam “cells” equal outside air pressure. Suitable glues for styrene foam cores include: white glue, yellow glue, hot melt, pet, ether based impact adhesive (“Styro Bond”). Eposy works, but won’t cut with a hot wire. Become A Member to Continue Reading This Article This article is part of our premium web content offered to Guild members. To view this and other web articles, join the Guild of American Luthiers. Members also receive 4 annual issues of American Lutherie and get discounts on products. For details, visit the membership page. If you are already a member, login for access or contact us to setup your account.
