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Current Happenings

Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2012 9:44 pm
by Nelson Instruments
I figure it might be fun to have a thread dedicated to updates on whatever I happen to be working on at any given time.
So for now it is acoustic instruments!
Here is a picture of a special order FT27 that had its binding applied. One of the custom appointments on this guitar is the tortoise shell binding. I am REALLY liking the way the tortoise shell contrasts everything else!
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Here are the first 3 acoustics in this batch to get binding. There are 14 guitars in the batch, 10 of which will have binding.
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FInally here is a picture that was taken just a little bit ago. 3 guitars with binding ready to go and 3 ukuleles with their binding glued in place!
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More updates soon!

Re: Current Happenings

Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 3:56 pm
by Jero
Dang man, I don't think I realized you made ukes.
Can't wait to see that tortoise shell!

Re: Current Happenings

Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 3:59 pm
by skullservant
awww little baby ukes!

Re: Current Happenings

Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 8:55 pm
by Almonds
I also did not know about the ukes. I always wanted one but could never settle on which brand was good. May I ask how much those are going to go for?

Re: Current Happenings

Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2012 1:14 am
by Nelson Instruments
Okay well the ukes that are pictured are the "Dapper" model.
There will be an all mahogany model called the piker (20s slang for cheapskate bahahaha) as well.
I think there will, at some point be a slightly fancier model called the "Spiffy"
I'm not 100% sure yet on pricing but ballpark looks something like this.
Piker : $300 ish
Dapper: $400 ish
Spiffy: $500 ish????

Differences being woods used and trimmings. Also the Dapper and Spiffy would come with hard cases as standard while the piker will come with a carrying bag.
These are soprano ukes. I might do a concert, and maybe a tenor at some point too. Baritone.....probably not.

Re: Current Happenings

Posted: Sat Jun 16, 2012 2:28 am
by FuzzHugger
Definitely subscribing to this thread. :) :thumb:

Re: Current Happenings

Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 1:08 am
by Nelson Instruments
Okay SO here are some ukes with binding
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Acoustic necks are dimensioned
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And a few headstock overlays are glued on.
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Much more to do! Stay tuned!

Re: Current Happenings

Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 1:20 am
by colin
Those look great, I'm looking forward to more shots of the acoustics in progress. Realistically my next guitar purchase will likely be a good acoustic, and I'll definitely be considering getting one of yours (not that this is going to be anytime soon).

Re: Current Happenings

Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 6:15 pm
by ifeellikeatourist
I like this thread! It's really cool to see work in progress. Very excited about the ukes...my wife is semi-involved in a couple of uke forums...once they are ready to go, ill make sure she gives you a good plug! Also definitely consider a concert soprano as those seem to be popular.

Re: Current Happenings

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 12:01 am
by Nelson Instruments
This little fella comes to visit from next door. Seems to enjoy hanging around the shop!
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Some head stocks profiled
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And some necks got preliminary carving.
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This one has some nice surprise figure!
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A pile of freshly milled fingerboards.
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Finally the fingerboard blanks are now radiused and slotted.
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More updates soon!

Re: Current Happenings

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 12:08 am
by Chankgeez
^^^Awesomes. All of it. Cat especially.^^^

Re: Current Happenings

Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 1:24 am
by Nelson Instruments
Cutting out some inlays for the new slightly fancier acoustic model.
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Inlays laid in position just for fun. I think they'll look pretty nice!
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Phase two of neck shaping after preliminary carving is done. Time to blend in the heel and the headstock.
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Half done with this one. (This neck is for a special order FT.27. Customer asked for a center strip. Looks nice!)
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Done. This stage doesn't take long.....
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Unless you have to do 14 of them in a row. You'd be surprised though at how quickly it all goes. Next step is to sand them smooth and fit/glue them to bodies! Now it will start to get interesting! (In case it wasn't already)
Here are three. Not much to look at now but just you wait!
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Re: Current Happenings

Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 4:05 pm
by kosta
This is great to see man! Very very cool. And gorgeous looking stuff.

Re: Current Happenings

Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 3:00 am
by Nelson Instruments
Thanks for the kind words!
Some inlays glued in today. I can't use superglue (sensitized to it) and don't like epoxy so I tried my hand at making a traditional inlay filler/adhesive. Hopefully it works!!! I think it will.
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Re: Current Happenings

Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2012 11:37 pm
by Nelson Instruments
Some FT-75 fingerboards routed for inlays
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Decided to cut out some uke tops also.
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A certain someone trying to look innocent.
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How am I supposed to get any work done when someone feels the need to take a nap on my lap?!

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Aaaannnnnndd hanging out on the table saw.

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Back to work, inlays glued in and binding glued and clamped in place.

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Here are the four fingerboards for the FT75 acoustics. All sanded level and ready to glue on!
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All 14 fingerboards sanded and ready to go!
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Two necks glued in!
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Side view. These neck joints are so tight fitting that I didn't even need the one clamp I put on them but did it anyway just for good measure.
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Today I glued a couple fingerboards on.
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More updates soon!