Posted on June 6, 2024May 23, 2025 by Dale Phillips Questions: Thickness Measuring Tool Questions: Thickness Measuring Tool by Tom Nelligan and R.M. Mottola Originally published in American Lutherie #92, 2007 Georges E. Vougioukalakis from Athens, Greece asks: In my experimentation and research on double-top guitar construction I find a need for an instrument that can measure the thickness of the outermost skin of the top on a fully assembled instrument without damaging the top. Does anyone know of such a tool? I remember a citation of an instrument that was used to measure the thickness of the paint in autos. Tom Nelligan from Olympus NDT/Panametrics-NDT Products in Waltham, Massachusetts replies: Commercial ultrasonic thickness gauges of the sort made by my company (and our competitors) for measurement of industrial engineering materials like metals, plastics, and ceramics will not work on wood, because wood does not efficiently transmit sound waves at ultrasonic frequencies in the MHz range. Pulse/echo ultrasonic gauging is based on very precisely measuring the round-trip transit time of a short pulse of very high frequency sound waves through the test piece. But the high frequency/short wavelength wave front is scattered by the microstructure of the wood, so it is not possible to get the necessary clean echo from the inner wall. 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 June 6, 2024January 16, 2025 by Dale Phillips Questions: Stringed Instrument Tone Questions: Stringed Instrument Tone by Cyndy Burton Originally published in American Lutherie #82, 2005 Jason Kirby of cyberspace asks: I'd love to start learning how to create stringed instruments with a gorgeous tone. What advice would you give a beginner who doesn't know the first thing? Cyndy Burton of Portland, OR responds: This is still the number one question I get, and I bet lots of you get this one, too. I hope my brief answer is helpful. Go to https://luth.org/about-us/frequently-asked-questions/. Your question is answered there a couple different ways. My quick answer is that it depends on how you learn best, how quickly you want to learn, and how much time and money you have to invest. There are lots of books and videos available now that make it very possible to start on your own. Some people prefer to take a course, interact, be shown, have a teacher nearby. Schools are excellent for that, but, of course, have a bigger price tag. ◆
Posted on June 6, 2024May 23, 2025 by Dale Phillips Questions: Info on D’Angelico Questions: Info on D'Angelico by Linda Manzer and John Monteleone Originally published in American Lutherie #96, 2008 John Langdon from the Internet asks: I’m quite obsessed with D’Angelico and D’Aquisto guitars, and there are not many sources of info besides the GAL and the wonderful book Paul Schmidt wrote. Would you happen to know the maker of those elusive violin maker’s planes James D’Aquisto had? In one of the GAL books he said they were made by a company in Boston. Do you know if John D’Angelico used a jointer or a hand plane to join his plates? I’m also trying to find out more about the nitrocellulose finish D’Aquisto used. I’m curious if his finishes were alcohol based or not. Do you know if he had any preference for any specific brand of finish or colors? Linda Manzer from Toronto, Canada responds: I used the hand planes in question when I worked in D’Aquisto’s shop in 1983. I made copies of those planes for myself and sold a limited number of them a few years back as well. I plan to resume making them in the near future. They are fantastic. 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 June 6, 2024May 28, 2025 by Dale Phillips Questions: Guitar Insurance Questions: Guitar Insurance by Cyndy Burton Originally published in American Lutherie #82, 2005 Garrett Burton of Portland, OR asks: I’m planning to pick up repair work from guitar stores and work in my home shop. I’ve been told I need insurance for the guitars when they are in my possession as well as liability insurance. What can I expect to pay per month? Cyndy Burton (no relation) of Portland, OR responds: The only business insurance I’m aware of designed for musical instrument businesses is Heritage Insurance Services (215-322-8705; his@heritage-ins-services.com; www.heritage-ins-services.com/national.htm). The cost will depend on many factors, but in my experience, it is reasonable and well worth it.
Posted on June 6, 2024May 28, 2025 by Dale Phillips Questions: Orpharions Questions: Orpharions by Wes Brandt Originally published in American Lutherie #82, 2005 Lance N. Mearing of cyberspace asks: Who makes orpharions in the U.S.? Wes Brandt of Amsterdam, Holland replies: Unfortunately, I do not know of any orpharion makers in the U.S., but Stephen Barber and Sandi Harris (www.lutesandguitars.co.uk/htm/cat05.htm) are makers in London whom you may wish to contact. ◆
