May 12, 2010
The koa back and sides arrived today. Ordered through Notable Woods out of Lopez Island. All the koa I have been using comes from Notable. Good prices and quick shipping. This is a AAA set with no flaws and nice color.
May 12, 2010
There appears to be a neglected backlog of repair jobs to tackle. For example:
A Rickenbacker Bass fret dress.
A Paul Reed Smith in need of a crack repair.
A New Yorker for a neck reset.
A couple of Parlors needing the same major rework/restoration.
And a classical needing a nut replacement.
Time to squeeze these in and make some progress.
May 11, 2010
Steve, the proud new owner of the yet to be Auction 2 guitar dropped by the workshop yesterday to discuss design and wood selection for his new guitar. He determined it will be a simply appointed Koa Dreadnought.
I’ve already contacted Bruce at Notable Woods and identified a fine AAA koa set which is on its way.
I have provided Steve with a recommended bill of materials for the guitar and we’ll pull the trigger on ordering once he confirms the suggestions.
May 7, 2010
Well, today was my last hurrah at my day job. I’ve had a day job for as long as I can remember. You know, a day job is one that pays the bills and allows you to pursue working at what you love. Because generally, working at what you love doesn’t feed the babies. Not that I have babies anymore, just savings sucking college tuitions that need to be fed. Even with health care reform, the cost of medical insurance is way beyond our means, so I’ve got to find ways of bringing in bucks to cover costs.
I have a big wad of backlogged repairs, some of which are paid through barter, some of which are paying. Now I’ve got the opportunity (time) to tackle those in earnest.
Two new repair jobs have come in: 1) a Rickenbacker bass that needs a fret dressing, and 2) a Paul Reed Smith electric which has a body crack at the neck joint. Stand by for photo documentation of those repairs.
The backlog consists of 1) a Gretsch New Yorker that needs a neck reset, 2) a Parlor that MAY need a neck reset, 3) another Parlor which needs the top to be rebraced, 4) a classical that looks like the surface of the ocean (wavy), and 5) a classical that needs some tuner/headstock work.
I just finished another minor cosmetic repair on a Paul Reed Smith electric for a colleague, which was good practice for repairing and hiding lacquer blemishes. He liked it so much, he brought me his other Paul Reed Smith (see above) for work.
I left my day job in good standing, AND got a ton of leads on repair work.
Oh yes, all this and finishing 905 and 906 and starting 1001 and 1002. Better go mow the lawn and get that out of the way before I get started.
May 6, 2010
For the second year, sMg Guitars donated the building of a custom guitar to the Phinney Neighborhood Association’s annual auction.
Just as last year, the bidding was frenzied and a very nice sum was garnered for the PNC. The winning bidder lives a couple of blocks away, and this Monday we sit down to talk about design, tonewoods, and the frilly stuff.
Coincidentally, I am departing my day job on Monday, and I’m anticipating getting back into the workshop and having the luxury of focusing on building and repair.
Guitars 905 and 906 are nearing completion, and I have an obscene backlog of repairs and restorations waiting to be addressed. The weather looks promising for the next week, so I’ll have to balance the need to get work done with the need to bask in the sun.
May 6, 2010
Today the recipient of the auction guitar dropped by to check the progress. John along with his wife and daughter are visiting from Colorado and had a chance to see the guitar for the first time.
