The Appalachian Gitfiddle is a very popular "Hybrid" between a violin and a stick dulcimer or cigar box guitar. It is built using an old violin body. This article will go through the process of how they are made. First step is to source a suitable donor violin. I find mine usually in yard sales, … Continue reading The Appalachian Gitfiddle Conversion
Why do Custom Made Instruments cost so much?
Why do custom built guitars cost so much? by Bruce Johnson Professional Luthier Fillmore, California I'm a pro Luthier/Builder. Most of you would consider me successful at it. I've been doing it nearly full time for 21 years, I have a good reputation, and I usually have a waiting list for my basses and services. … Continue reading Why do Custom Made Instruments cost so much?
“Two Point” Mandolin Body Cittern
Special Order 5 string Cittern, based on my new 12 inch wide "Two Point" Mandolin Template. 20.5 inch (530 mm) Scale Length, 5 strings, Zero-fret Cypress soundboard, with Oval laser engraved Rosette Poplar back, sides, and neck stained in Red Mahogany Polished Brass tailpiece and Ebonized Cherry floating bridge
The On-Board Amp Mod
The client has challenged me to modify this instrument (built by someone else) to be able to play independent of external amplification. It is intended to be used as a travel guitar, and carried in a backpack. It needs to be light weight, compact, and self contained. The problem is that the instrument is basically … Continue reading The On-Board Amp Mod
Custom Laser Engraving
I have added "Laser Engraving" as a new option to my instruments. This new feature can be employed to make soundhole rosettes, custom headstock logos, and personalized decorations such as tribal motifs. Below are examples of the results, taken from my experimentation and some of my latest builds. I am currently building a graphics library … Continue reading Custom Laser Engraving
It’s a Canjo Christmas Songbook
Here is a fun booklet of Christmas tunes Canjo Christmas Songbook
Handy Guitar String Gauge calculator
I use this handy calculator for making balanced string sets. http://wahiduddin.net/calc/calc_guitar_string.htm
Just Intonation Fret Calculator
Here is a handy spreadsheet I found online for JI Fretwork. Just Intonation calculator with ratios
The Art of Acoustics
The Art of Acoustics There is an art to getting good acoustic tone from a cigar box guitar. I'm going to give you a few tips on how I do it. Tip #1: The Dovetail Joint - This is a woodcraft technique which provides a strong & secure joint. The angles of the dove … Continue reading The Art of Acoustics
My Florida Cypress Tonewood
I'm one of only a few luthiers that I know of which use Gulf Coast Bald Cypress as a primary tonewood. I'm fortunate to live in an area where it is accessible. Most of the cypress in this region goes into building construction or outdoor furnishings. It is harvested in two ways; Salvaged Barn wood, … Continue reading My Florida Cypress Tonewood
