Printable View
From another forum, someone reached out to Fishman after they had installed their pickup according to the first lot of instructions.
Here is Fishman's response
Quote:
We had done some additional testing and found the neck position to have a slightly warmer tone for the mic. It will still work fine where you have it, but if you need a little more warmth from the mic, you may want to switch it to the neck position. If you need further help, let me know
4 Weeks tomorrow! This is doing my head in!
I received my Black Diamond Strings last week, and I fitted up a set to my trusty old Maton.
https://scontent.fmel7-1.fna.fbcdn.n...2a&oe=5C13AA27
Not a bad sound, but not what I would call bright, more mellow. The strings feel thicker against my fingers, but there don't seem to be any issues with intonation or interference with the nut or saddle. Not sure if I will use the second set with my new build, but we will see.
I've been scouring the web for images of what I like aesthetically, and some designs that may be too difficult, or time consuming to be able to pull it off during the course, but I need something to occupy my mind while I'm waiting to jump on the plane!
Here's some of my collection.
End graft/wedge ideas:
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/933/2...831ef451_b.jpg
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/08...g?v=1496160445
Bridge Design:
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...1zqO_BcWF7Suqw
Headstock Design:
https://scontent.fmel7-1.fna.fbcdn.n...10&oe=5BF91721
This is basically an excuse to browse acoustic guitar porn isn't it? :)
Works for me. ;)
Have you got an overall vision in your head or are you just going to see what inspiration comes from the wood?
I think I've overdone it a little with the guitar porn, I'm addicted now!!
I'm not going to have a lot of time for ostentatious trimmings, so I'm really hoping for some timbers that really have their own character.
The first page of this thread shows what I would love to have with the Mastergrade Blackwood, but I'm going to be looking at an additional $3-400 on top of my already steep cost, but there is also no guarantee that he will have something of that quality available when the course starts.
Also further down on the first page is an idea for making the rosette, and I was also planning on using this design theme for the 12th fret marker, head stock inlay, and end wedge. Talking through this idea on another site, I'm going to delete the 12th fret marker, and I didn't take into account the different strengths of the timbers which may be softer than the fretboard, and mark easily. Since the fretboard is not normally sealed either, there is a strong chance that any light coloured timbers used will pick up dirt from my fingers and oils etc, and just look untidy. Hopefully I can get a really nicely figured fretboard to speak for itself with no fret markers at all, just side dots.
Speaking of the rosette design, Aaron has recently started building another guitar that used Black Abalone, and it looks really nice. Not really a fan of the chequered purfling, but the abalone looks really classy. It also won't be screaming out for attention against a dark timber like the Blackwood.
https://scontent.fmel7-1.fna.fbcdn.n...3a&oe=5BCB1743
I think it's fair to say that the bulk of the aesthetic decisions will be made as we get to them, as I want timbers that compliment each other, but not distract from others. I doubt I will use highly contrasting woods for the binding and purfling etc.
Put it this way, I'm not looking to go with this high of a contrast!
https://www.facebook.com/goldcoastgu...6267319038904/
Sound wise, I'm looking for a real multitasker/chameleon. Something that can handle some occasional heavier strumming, but also do delicate fingerstyle. I play a lot of ballads, but also an increasing number of more upbeat songs, and I really hope that it compliments my voice too.
Things I know I can't have would be an arm bevel, and fan frets, which are to be expected. I'll just need to win Tattslotto, then go and do a course that lasts 4 weeks instead of two, so I can do everything I want!!
Thanks for following along!!
Seems like a good compromise of vision and practicality there.
I'm trying, but looking at all of the high end guitars from professional luthiers makes me depressed, since I know I won't have the chance to do some of those features.Quote:
Originally Posted by blinddrew
I need to be level headed in some of my decisions. Being an adult sucks sometimes!!:mad::rolleyes::cool:
You'll have a limited time to work on and finish your guitar, so you'll need to do things that can be achieved in that time frame. I'm sure my friend who did a month's classical guitar building course about 3 years ago, didn't make his own rosette at the time. He's since gone back to the school and has now made up quite a few, but they are time consuming and it's easy for things to go wrong.
Has the course tutor given you an idea of what will be achievable during the course?
I've talked to him about the rosette and other inlays, and he thought they would be doable, but that we would discuss it more at the course.
The photos I shared of the rosette being built on the first page of this thread are from his course that one of his students did. Within the cost of the course, we have the choice of a timber rosette, or a single ring on paua shell. I've seen some where they have combined the two, so I'm not sure if there is an additional cost or not.
From what I've seen in my research, classical guitars are a bit more labour intensive, especially if they have a spanish heel designed neck, but that's only me glossing over the info, I have no aspirations to add a classical to my collection, so they have not been on my radar.
The instructor has previously told me that I won't be heading home without a finished guitar, and that his forms, jigs, and methods are very streamlined, but the quality of the build does not suffer as a result. He's had a number of students finish their guitar several days ahead of schedule. He will have a good indication early on with my progress, and see where I can spend some extra time on certain aspects of the build or not.
I was panicking today. Thought I had blown it all.
I was at martial arts training tonight and rolled my ankle half way through the night. It blew up straight away, and all I could think of was the course, and how much of a struggle it would be if I'm in plaster or on crutches for the next 6 weeks.
X-Rays show no breakage thankfully, just a bad sprain. Will just need to be careful with it, and not aggravate it any further. Ice for the next couple of days, but I have to continue walking on it, the more the better.
Doctors actual words were "Have a cup of cement and harden up!!"
Best Doctor I've ever had, even though I only spent 5mins with him!!
No excuse to go and get plastered then! Hope it gets better quickly, Zandit.
It's probably more the time element than the cost with the rosettes. The bigger they are, the more chance there is for something to go wrong and set you back though fixing it. But you've talked it through, so that's good.
Might need to skip karate until you get back.
Don't need any other injuries that may hinder your guitar building.
Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk
Yep, I agree. I'll still attend and help out where possible without needing to kick anything. I'm experienced enough to assist the instructors if there are new students there, which I have done in the past already.Quote:
Originally Posted by wazkelly
I also need to ensure my health is maintained, avoid any flu/head colds etc, this is a bad time of year for these kinds of things.
Cold enough up here too. It was 3.8 degrees C at 6.00 am this morning which is almost as low as it gets working our way up to 23 today with highs of 28 forecast for Thursday & Friday.
Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk
Nice, I'm looking forward to the warmer weather, even though the workshop is temperature and humidity controlled.
Having said that, since QLD doesn't observe daylight savings, it gets dark too quickly up there!
At the height of summer, we have enough light at 9.30pm to still be able to have a game of backyard cricket without lighting!!
My main concern with this injury is the amount of walking I'll be doing over that 2 weeks. While the workshop location is only 800mtrs from where I'm staying, other shops, bus stops, supermarkets etc will all require some additional trekking to get to. They are all within close enough proximity to rule out calling a Taxi or Uber, so I will have to manage my shopping trips to not be overloaded on the return trip without needing to continually return to the shops etc.
Bring a skateboard perhaps?
;):D:pQuote:
Originally Posted by wazkelly
I'd be back in emergency quicker than you can say Jiminy Cricket
That's the down-side of daylight saving. After a hard sweaty day of slog, there's still plenty of stinking heat to go outQuote:
Originally Posted by Zandit75
and play with your kids in.
cheers, Mark.
Agree that we should have it up here but both sides of government are too scared to run with it due to past resistance and political backlash.
Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk
Haha, you're referring to the drapes fading argument??!!Quote:
Originally Posted by wazkelly
Yep, along with cows not knowing what time for milking, etc.
Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk
Came across this little gem on Facebook today!!
Attachment 27797
Clearly the sun has evaporated Chris Hills brain fluid. :p
Should’ve sacrificed the drapes and closed them....Quote:
Originally Posted by Dedman
Ankle is recovering nicely, but you wouldn't think so looking at photos!!
https://scontent.fmel7-1.fna.fbcdn.n...7a&oe=5C020775
https://scontent.fmel7-1.fna.fbcdn.n...2a&oe=5C0EB846
First photo is from Wednesday night, the second is from last night. Ankle is still quite swollen, and tender to the touch in some areas, but walking is not much of an issue anymore, I spent about 1/2hr last night walking around town waiting on the wife to finish work, included a small hill to push myself and find the limit. Pulled up well this morning.
Changing direction still bites though, so I still need to keep in mind where I'm placing my feet.
Yep, know how that feels. Done that numerous times to each ankle.
Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk
Looks rather broken to me. I broke a metatarsal in my foot about 15 years ago and the bruising looked similar (though a larger area was affected). Maybe there's a crack that didn't show up on the x-ray?
Good sprain that. Been there a couple of times. 10 weeks before a marathon once...
Hey Zandit, hope your ankle heals up soon mate!!!
That reminds me of the time I did something similar to one of my ankles when I was a kid I jumped up in the air and when I came back down I landed awkwardly on the side of my right foot, it was the worst pain I had ever felt in my whole life, couldn't move an inch for a few minutes afterwards.
Here's hoping there isn't. I injured my left ankle many years back, and the swelling did hide a break, but this time around, because there was less swelling, I'm pretty confident this is not a break. Last time around I was on crutches for several weeks, and could barely put any weight on it. As I mentioned before, I'm walking fine, no real issues with movement, except when I try to rotate with the foot still on the ground. I'll start physio once the swelling goes down. I've already started working on my balance with that foot, and it seems to be holding up fine.Quote:
Originally Posted by Simon Barden
Thanks for the concern though!
Ohhh, bugger!!Quote:
Originally Posted by blinddrew
Yeah, it's a killer! I was laid out flat in the middle of the gym for several minutes while everyone else continued sparring practice!Quote:
Originally Posted by DrNomis_44
I ended up dragging myself off to the side with the help of the instructor and sat there with an ice pack on the ankle for about 20mins before eventually strapping it, and getting up on my feet to head to the hospital.
I've updated this post from the front page. Got the Hiscox case locked in, and it worked out to be a little dearer than first estimated.Quote:
Originally Posted by Zandit75
Everything is rolling along on schedule. Final payments being made this week, so accommodation, flights, and the course will be fully paid for.
I spoke with Aaron the other day, and apparently he has some nice Blackwood sets on the way which will arrive in time for the course.
There's still a chance that I'll find something completely different that will totally confuse me at the last second, but that happens!
I also inquired about the black abalone shell that I posted a photo of earlier. He has more coming in, and if it arrives in time for the course, I'm welcome to use it in my build, but he did mention that he orders it in a specific diameter, which may not work with my rosette. From my research, the sound hole varies depending on the size of body used, which in turn, affects the rosette diameter. It may not look aesthetically pleasing.
Thanks for following!
Out of curiosity, are those prices US dollars or Australian ones?
Australian
Cheers, makes a reasonable difference :)
Aaron is just teasing me now, posting up photos of his builds from Aussie Blackwood!!
This is a concert sized Ukulele. Absolutely stunning!
https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net...c9&oe=5BF6C7F2
I love this timber, yet I've had a number of people tell me that it's fine for back and sides, but not for the front. Too many traditionalists around here! Doesn't help that one of them is my wife!
I've no experience with it at all, but what is fine for the sides and back, regardless of how nice it looks, might not resonate well enough to be a good wood for the top. There's normally a reason for these choices. But it shouldn't stop one experimenting (if you can afford to).
Aussie Blackwood is quite a common timber for use as a sound board. Both Maton and Cole Clark use it quite often, and the timber is closely related to Hawaiian Koa which has very similar colouring and figure. Both timbers are from the Acacia family.
Taylor is a big user of Koa in their builds, and similarly to Maton and Cole Clark, normally use the timbers for front, back & sides, not normally mixed with other timbers when used for a soundboard.
Here is the Taylor K24CE which I fell in love with at Easter time when I played it in Melbourne.
http://www.earcraftmusic.com/wp-cont...F-LTD-Body.jpg
That's my 'something new' learned today. I had a nice all Koa tenor uke that sounded nice.
Haha, glad to help out!Quote:
Originally Posted by Simon Barden
I realised I didn't explain this properly. Aesthetically, there are many traditionalists who believe timbers like this should only be used for back and sides, and that an acoustic "HAS" to have a spruce/softwood top. My wife is one of these, and when I show her pics of blackwood tops, she has said to me "I'll be disappointed if you bring home something like that" :(Quote:
Originally Posted by Zandit75
I then turn around and say "It's not about what you like Bub!!!":cool:
which is the REAL explanation for the bruised heel :p
Hahaha!! Perfect response!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Dedman