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Thread: Build Update #4

  1. #1
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    Default Build Update #4

    While shaping the headstock, my luthier found a hidden knot, resulting in this:



    Zoomed in:



    At first, he though to simply plug it, but the plug was visible & neither he nor I were at all happy with the look. By the way, the asymmetry at the top is intentional; it accommodates the maker's mark & looks much more "normal" from the front than in this view:



    He could have started the whole neck/head over again or, as some friends proposed, left it as-is, as a character mark, but I suggested that maybe he could do an inlay of some sort. The question was: What? Should I get my initials inlaid? Perhaps a symbol, logo or something else? I was thinking a compass rose or anchor since most of what I sing & play are sailor songs.

    After playing with some ideas, and after Ray showing me just how little real estate I had to work with once the tuning engines got installed, I had an epiphany.

    Ray often uses the Morse code for D (dash-dot-dot) as an inlay on the fingerboard to mark the 12th (octave) fret. This is a cool double entendre because the D is for Dammann (the guy he's building for & whose name is on the label), but also if you imagine the dash as 10 and a dot as 1, it stands for 12.

    I got to thinking, Morse code is easy to make with a router, has a nautical tie-in (ships communicate with it via flashing light), so how about my initials in Morse? I worked with Ray on a few details like wood type, spacing, etc. and settled on using the wenge which already accents the maple & cherry of the neck. Here's how it turned out. I couldn't be more pleased!


  2. #2

    Default Re: Build Update #4

    Clever stuff!

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  4. #3
    Butcherer of Songs Rob Zamites's Avatar
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    Default Re: Build Update #4

    For sure - that would be an awesome idea!
    =============================
    Apollonio Acousto-electric bouzouki (in shop)
    Mixter 10 string mandola (still waiting 2+ yrs)
    Unknown brand Mandocaster (on the way!)
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    "Doubt begins only at the last frontiers of what is possible." -- Ambrose Bierce

  5. #4
    Registered User rockies's Avatar
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    Default Re: Build Update #4

    In my case and my playing and building ability I would have inlaid ... --- ... However great idea, I may have to use that idea to cover some of my mistakes. Kind of like luthiers spackle. LOL
    Dave
    Heiden A, '52 Martin D-18, Taylor 510, Carlson Custom A with Electronics

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  7. #5
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    Default Re: Build Update #4

    Quote Originally Posted by rockies View Post
    In my case and my playing and building ability I would have inlaid ... --- ...
    LOL, Dave. That would also be very appropriate for me too, now, but I'm hoping that in the future I can "earn my stripes."

  8. #6
    Certified! Bernie Daniel's Avatar
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    Default Re: Build Update #4

    Very shrewd solution -- it looks great. I wonder who if anyone will figure that out on their own?
    Bernie
    ____
    Due to current budgetary restrictions the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off -- sorry about the inconvenience.

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    Troy H 

  10. #7
    Registered User Fred Young's Avatar
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    Default Re: Build Update #4

    could have been da de da dit da da dit da = CQ
    'Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of my life?
    Think I'll just loaf today then. Fred.

  11. #8
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    Default Re: Build Update #4

    .--, but one day it would be good to add another dash.

  12. #9

    Default Re: Build Update #4

    That's a good luthier that can make lemonade.

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