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Questions: Bird’s Eye Maple

Questions: Bird's Eye Maple

by Bruce Harvie

Originally published in American Lutherie #60, 1999



Sheldon Urlik of Los Angeles, CA asks:

In AL#58 Gary Southwell mentions that bird’s-eye maple always comes from America, even though one often sees it on very old European-made instruments. Torres used it in several extant guitars, including two in my collection (First Epoch, #24, 1867 and Second Epoch, #129, 1889). Could it be that there are other maples, perhaps ones grown in Europe, which exhibit the bird’s-eye figure when slab cut?

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Dots; Micarta; Trigger Cloth

Dots; Micarta; Trigger Cloth

by Michael Breid

Originally published as Guild of American Luthiers Data Sheet #177, 1981

 

Having trouble getting white side position dots for dark fingerboards, and vise-versa? Using white or dark celluloid pieces, press out or punch out as many as you need, with a rotating leather punch. They cost about seven bucks, but they will pay for themselves in no time.

If you are looking for ivory micarta for nuts and saddles etc. check the local knife makers shop. They usually carry it in big chunks, or smaller slabs, and it is not all that expensive. Besides you many have saved an elephant!

In looking for a suitable material for reinforcing inside cracks, I found a product called “trigger” in a cloth store. It is a fabric closely woven, takes glue easily, and shrinks a little when dry, so as to really provide a tight repair. ◆

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Resurrecting the Family Guitar

An American Lutherie Encore Presentation: Resurrecting the Family Guitar by John Calkin Originally published in American Lutherie #85, 2006 and American Lutherie #153, 2024 Resurrection of a musical instrument may use some of the same techniques as restoration, but the goals are somewhat different, as is the expected return for your time. Restoration often involves […]

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The Archtop Guitar: Perspectives on the Present and Future

An American Lutherie Encore Presentation: The Archtop Guitar: Perspectives on the Present and Future by Steve Grimes, Ted Megas, Tom Ribbecke, with moderator Jeff Elliott from their 2008 GAL Convention panel discussion Originally published in American Lutherie #98, 2009 and American Lutherie #153, 2024 See also, Low-Stress Archtop Guitar Design by Steve Grimes Jeff Elliott: […]

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Aging the Look of Budget Tuning Machines

Aging the Look of Budget Tuning Machines by Aaron Cash Originally published in American Lutherie #153, 2024 I have never been able to afford elite tuners, and my favorite midgrade tuners can be a stretch for my income. I consider myself a recreational builder, but I still complete six or eight guitars each year. It all adds […]

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