All Blog Posts (986)

As I've got a lot of guitar making work on, and need to get some custom builds finished, also with loads of guitar shows to prepare for, I'd been thinking about improving my efficiency with slotting fretboards. I'd already recently built my second manual cutting jig, which uses an master template and an indexing system, but it's still quite a drag slotting fretboards, so after much consideration and pondering. I decided that I needed to get a table saw. Buying workshop power tools is always…

http://hcw3.com/wordpress/?p=172

So I just won this "Rare 1925 Collectible Uncle Jakes Nickle Seegar Lined Wood Cigar Box".  I got a screaming deal on it!

It's 13"x8"x3.5". Really a perfect size for a guitar. But should I turn it into a guitar or hold on to it to resell? I don't collect cigar boxes, but I love a deal. 

The other issue is the top / label. I'd have to cut into it for sound holes. I'm not opposed to this. I think it would make a super cool…

http://hcw3.com/wordpress/?p=164

http://hcw3.com/wordpress/?p=145

What a weekend...

Nearing completion on a cat-bowl resonator concert-scale ukulele. I'm not a huge fan of non-neck-through builds. They try my patience and I'm leery of the neck joints. This one should be fine - it's a uke after all. But still! Using one of those Ashton boxes with the label that wraps almost all the way around. Put the bowl on the bottom covering the part that isn't covered by the label. Looks neat. Neck is cut and shaped, box is almost ready, neck support is…

There is a reason we have children. In today's world it is called technology.

I have been building CBGs about a year now and finally feel good enough about my builds to think of selling them. Also health problems make my going back to work after being on medical leave for six months questionable. Even if I can go back the medical restrictions may be such I may need transferring to a whole new job category and need to learn a new set of job skills. So, I need a "PLAN…

http://hcw3.com/wordpress/?p=125

Seasick Steve on Breakfast Time,BBC 1; 8.45

So I know I haven't been real active on the site lately. There is a good reason :)
I have been graced with an order for 10 guitars, 2 Ukes, and at least (but not limited to) 3 portable CBG amps!  Pictures will be posted as soon as I have a break to take them, lol.  as always, ANY advice is appreciated!

Well, after playing several open mic events and a couple of local festivals, I was asked to perform on the acoustic stage at a record companies launch night.

A few weeks later the owner of the company Robert Harrison of Long Haired Music in Spilsby, Lincolnshire saw me in Lincoln and asked if he could record my playing. This would be…

Hi

Does anyone know a safe free alternative to Dropbox.com?

As I think I have overstayed my welcome and they now want money!!

 …

In the interest of speeding up production I got some new tools. I've been learning from my neighbor who has been building with wood for many years. So after a few sessions of watch and learn I headed down to Harbor Freight.

First new toy is a 4" belt sander / disk sander combo. I should have bought this thing months ago. I only picked it up on Saturday but it's already changed my building life. I was able to thin out the headstock on a guitar neck made out of some very hard wood in…

Last load of tools going to the new shop today.  Should be up and running by the weekend.  Fortunately getting backlogged with orders.   At 67 years old, I never thought this would happen.....TWANG!!!!

http://hcw3.com/wordpress/?p=112

review and video here

I am quite pleased with every aspect of this transaction!  From account creation, ordering, payment, shipping notifications, and spead of delivery.  No if my boxes would just get here so I can get building!…