Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by MadGomer on August 3, 2014 at 11:57am

Boy, I would assume that it would be best to do that after you've cut your neck slot, sound holes, etc and figured out how your bridge and tailpiece will fit up so you don't damage or cover up your artwork.

Permalink Reply by Seasick Mick on August 3, 2014 at 12:11pm

Thanks for that,MadGomer.I think i'll do a little experimenting using both methods on a couple of old surplus box's and see how it pans out....

Permalink Reply by Rob Bennett on August 3, 2014 at 8:10pm

I concur with Mr Gomer!!!....cut out all the holes for hard wear etc  then cut round the holes with a sharp scalpel

Permalink Reply by Seasick Mick on August 4, 2014 at 11:53am

Thank you,Rob.You fella's are always so helpful on here.I appreciate it....

Permalink Reply by Sean Oliveira on August 5, 2014 at 4:09am

The last Dulcimer I made was decoupaged with tree leaves...I cut the holes and dressed the box first and then did the decoupage.  Once I had it all done and it was dried I used a very sharp xacto blade to cut the trimmings away from the holes.  What are you using to decoupage?  If you want to go the cheap cheap route just mix regular old white glue with water.

Permalink Reply by MadGomer on August 5, 2014 at 4:29am

Sean, any chance you can post a photo of the dulcimer with the leaves? Sounds really interesting.

Permalink Reply by Sean Oliveira on August 10, 2014 at 4:11am

Sorry, it took me some time to respond…Here's the pics.  When I said white glue I meant PVA and that's what I used on this dulcimer…It worked well, but I did get some bubbling and I don't know if that was from something about the leaves or if I just didn't mix right or what...

Attachments:

• CIMG4740.JPG, 1 MB
• CIMG4744.JPG, 1.1 MB
• CIMG4741.JPG, 1 MB

Permalink Reply by Seasick Mick on August 5, 2014 at 4:51am

'I'm going to use PVA glue,Sean which I've been told is one of the best things to use and I happen to have some in the shed.I will take the advice I've been given from wiser heads than mine and cut the holes,etc first.When it's finished,i will post some pics of it...Many thank's,guy's...

Permalink Reply by Rob Bennett on August 5, 2014 at 7:18am

Yeah thats good it acts as a varnish too.....you can dye the pva as well...with water based wood dyes or colored ink...worth experimenting on various techniques...you could really dye the pva so the decoupage is just visible...also the pva will harden to a shell so you wont loose any vibration in the box

Permalink Reply by Seasick Mick on August 5, 2014 at 10:56am

I'll give that a try,Rob.So many CBG'S to do,so little time! It's a true addiction....

Permalink Reply by Rob Bennett on August 5, 2014 at 11:20am

Yep I know ...but learning all these techniques is good for the soul...the more time you take on the detail the more the guitar comes to life...feathers on a bird!

Permalink Reply by MadGomer on August 10, 2014 at 4:31am

Pretty cool Sean, I also like your idea of the old photo visible thru the sound hole!