Accoutrements: Little things that personalize an instrument and make it your very own.

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Permalink Reply by Russell Carlin on October 16, 2011 at 5:35pm

Hey John, that headstock is about as good as it can get,and the fact that youv'e personalised it with a few treasured bits and bobs just adds to the mojo for me,its as good a piece of art as any, and the fact you can make music with it just adds to its desirability,that is one very cool guitar.

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Permalink Reply by Uncle John on October 16, 2011 at 7:05pm

Oh, Russell.  You've a smart and generous way with your words.  Bits and bobs.  Mojo!  Art.  Thanks!  Let's see some of your little personal touches on your instruments.

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Permalink Reply by Vinylhed on October 16, 2011 at 8:37pm

It's great to add those little touches that personalise an instrument.

If you were to remove the fretboard off of my first build, you'd find a not inconsiderable amount of my blood spilt after a slip with a chisel. So my guitar actually contains my DNA...but then I'm sure many folks in the Nation can say that.

I'm currently working on transforming an old battered leather case into a handy travel amp. The case was my father's, who died a number of years ago, and I thought it was a nice way to give the case a second life and for it to have a personal feeling.

My next build is going to be a wine box ukulele, and as my girlfriend, Louise, puts up with me turning the kitchen into a workshop on a regular basis, I'm going to dedicate the instrument to her. By this I mean it will be called the "Lady Louise" and I fully intend to have a brass plaque engraved and fitted. I do hope she finds it sweet and romantic.

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Permalink Reply by Uncle John on October 16, 2011 at 9:28pm

Very nice on your dad's battered leather case vinyl.  I have some of my dad's old tools and I feel close to him when I use them.  Good wishes for Lady Louise being a great instrument and without bloodshed.

Vinylhed said:

It's great to add those little touches that personalise an instrument.

If you were to remove the fretboard off of my first build, you'd find a not inconsiderable amount of my blood spilt after a slip with a chisel. So my guitar actually contains my DNA...but then I'm sure many folks in the Nation can say that.

I'm currently working on transforming an old battered leather case into a handy travel amp. The case was my father's, who died a number of years ago, and I thought it was a nice way to give the case a second life and for it to have a personal feeling.

My next build is going to be a wine box ukulele, and as my girlfriend, Louise, puts up with me turning the kitchen into a workshop on a regular basis, I'm going to dedicate the instrument to her. By this I mean it will be called the "Lady Louise" and I fully intend to have a brass plaque engraved and fitted. I do hope she finds it sweet and romantic.

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Permalink Reply by JP Swenson on October 17, 2011 at 6:47am

Hi Unc!  Do brass balls count?  Gotta run!

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Permalink Reply by Keni Lee Burgess on October 17, 2011 at 7:33am

I refer to these things as "fuzzy bunnies" They are usually things that have very little actual monetary value but high in sentimental value. The value is in your relationship with the item. They make you feel good. In general, you have to be careful about attaching emotions to inanimate material items. Although, if you realize the source of pleasure and pain is yourself (your mind) and not the object, you can proceed freely. Enjoy Uncle John.

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Permalink Reply by Uncle John on October 17, 2011 at 7:41am

Yup.  Brass balls count heavy.

JP Swenson said:

Hi Unc!  Do brass balls count?  Gotta run!

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Permalink Reply by Mike Bingham on November 30, 2011 at 9:54pm

Here's a little personal touch on my lap steel.  I had an old digital watch with a broken band and decided to glue it to the lap steel since I don't have a clock in the music room and can't wear a watch due to my work.  It helps me stay in time... he he yuk yuk har har...

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Permalink Reply by Randy S. Bretz on November 30, 2011 at 10:26pm

Mojobone Works carved bone skull bridge with rod piezo pickup

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Permalink Reply by Naz Nomad on December 1, 2011 at 6:00am

 

I try and include a maggot wherever I can.

 

 

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Ryan Rose on December 1, 2011 at 6:11pm

Is there a story behind this, or is it just some random thing?

Naz Nomad said:

 

I try and include a maggot wherever I can.

 

 

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Richard G Caudill on December 1, 2011 at 8:57pm

bad as me with my  "lady Bugs"    got a mess the little red buggers and always put one on each git i make ,,,, When i was growing up in "rural" America ,, all the old folks said if u got one on ya ,, ease it off as it was measuring u for good luck or some new clothes ...    I never got either ,,, but made me feel good as i laughed with em  !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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