Posted on May 6, 2021March 6, 2024 by Dale Phillips Space Bass Space Bass by David Riggs Originally published in American Lutherie #28, 1991 We have all benefited from advances in technology resulting from the exploration of space. Brave Americans, along with those of other nations, have risked their lives to study the effects of weightlessness in the fields of metallurgy, botany, and others of interest to luthiers. It has, therefore, become my mission to pursue a role in which I may participate directly in this arena of endeavor. One fascinating experiment is conspicuously lacking; the advantages of its execution in a weightless environment are so obvious it is astounding that nobody has yet done it. Yes, you know what I’m thinking — I want to build a bass in space! They’ve sent teachers, congressmen, and the towel boy from the Y-Not Bath House. They’ve probably even sent lawyers. But have you seen one newspaper headline that read, “Luthier Loops Into Lunar Orbit”? Well, I aim for you to see that little number splash down in your bird bath one of these bright mornings. 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 January 12, 2010March 7, 2024 by Dale Phillips Review: So You Want to Make a Double Bass; To Make a Double Bass; Double Bass Making Review: So You Want to Make a Double Bass; To Make a Double Bass; Double Bass Making Reviewed by David Riggs Originally published in American Lutherie #71, 2002 and Big Red Book of American Lutherie Volume Six, 2013 So You Want to Make a Double Bass Peter Chandler Peter Chandler, 2001 ISBN 9780968935309 To Make a Double Bass Harry S. Wake Harry S. Wake, 1995 (revised edition) ISBN 978-0960704866 Double Bass Making Bob Hitchings Gwyllum Press, 1999 ISBN 9780953715602 Until recently, would-be bass makers have had only one main source from which to get specific information on making the string bass. Harry Wake has now been joined by two authors who present distinct approaches to the subject. For those who may have been intimidated by the prospect of taking on such a seemingly difficult project, there is now a good deal of help available in these volumes. While it seems unlikely that one without any lutherie experience would tackle a bass as a first project, it is conceivable that one may be primarily interested in this instrument, and it is entirely possible to make a beginning, at least, with any of these books. For sheer detail and volume of information, I would probably pick the Hitchings book over either of the other two, but more on that later. Peter Chandler’s book is the slickest production with 93 pages and 109 figures, more than 20 of which are color photos. At $60US it is also the most expensive of the three. 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 January 12, 2010March 7, 2024 by Dale Phillips Review: Benedetto Archtop Plans Review: Benedetto Archtop Plans Reviewed by Dave Riggs Originally published in American Lutherie #66, 2001 and Big Red Book of American Lutherie Volume Six, 2013 Benedetto Archtop Plans Drawn by Skot Koenig Stewart-MacDonald Any veteran writer knows it is probably not a good idea to gush praise upon a product which he is reviewing, and I always want to seem professional in the eyes of good writers in case one of them reads this. Therefore, knowing I may go to hell for it, I must warn you all to get ready for the gush. Although plans have been published of a classic Epiphone by Scott Antes as well as D’Angelico New Yorkers by both Steve Andersen and Tom Ribbecke, the ones recently published by Bob Benedetto are unique among all such plans and are deserving of special mention. Forget that these new drawings are of guitars currently in production by a living luthier and that archtops may not be of interest to all guitar makers. The drawings are worth buying for several reasons, whether or not this particular instrument is of significance to you. 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 January 11, 2010March 7, 2024 by Dale Phillips Review: Making and Playing Musical Instruments by Jack Botermans, Herman Dewit, and Hans Godefroy Review: Making and Playing Musical Instruments by Jack Botermans, Herman Dewit, and Hans Godefroy Reviewed by David Riggs Originally published in American Lutherie #58, 1999 and Big Red Book of American Lutherie Volume Five, 2008 Making and Playing Musical Instruments Jack Botermans, Herman Dewit, and Hans Godefroy University of Washington Press ISBN 0295969482 This book is primarily for hobbyists. Not that one could not find buyers for the kalimbas, alpenhorns, and talharpas made from descriptions to be found in its pages, as such instruments are staples at craft fairs, weekend markets, and other venues for ethnic and folk art. But it just might be of greater use to professionals than is apparent. The urge — or summons — to make something special for a musically inclined friend or relative will eventually strike anyone known to make instruments. Explaining the economic realities of instrument making is embarrassing at best. I have sat in the homes of luthiers in several countries and listened as they played a cheap offshore instrument. Believe me, you are not alone. This book may help provide a solution. 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 January 6, 2010March 11, 2024 by Dale Phillips Review: How to Make a Violin Bow by Frank V. Henderson Review: How to Make a Violin Bow by Frank V. Henderson Reviewed by David Riggs Originally published in American Lutherie #25, 1991 and Big Red Book of American Lutherie Volume Three, 2004 How to Make a Violin Bow Frank V. Henderson Murray Publishing Co., 1977 LCCN 77375025 This may be the most useful “how-to” book you will read on any lutherie topic. If you ever wanted to make a bow; if you like clear, concise directions on toolmaking, sharpening, workbenches, investment casting, the use of machine tools in woodworking, or a good many other topics of immediate concern to those working with instruments; if you can appreciate an easily read treatment of an interesting topic which will be clear to readers with little or no lutherie experience, this book will bang your gong! The author makes no pretense that his book will fit a craftsman to make his or her living as a bow maker. It does, however, actually show you that to make a very credible violin bow does not require supernatural skill or secret knowledge, a pleasant surprise if you have read other books on the subject which seem to actually discourage you from the undertaking. This is not a subject about which a ton is in print. Not that you need a ton if you have this 182-page illustrated volume. 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.
