Meeting
Sep 16, 2012

Jack and his Early American banjos

Jack explains bridge placement to Robbie

Howard applies Fish Glue to the linings

Walnut Rosette

Larry's Thien Baffle Dust Separator (Cyclone)

This was invented by Phil Thien. Learn more about it here.

Larry's implementation was designed to fit on the cart of his existing Delta 50-760 dust collector.

Jim's Thumb Pianos

View from Howard's place

Meeting - Sep 16, 2012

Howard Wilson's shop in Roanoke

Meeting highlights: Gluing kerfed linings, cutting a wooden rosette, minstrel banjos, guitars in progress, video of CNC machine, Thien baffle cyclone dust separator...

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Early American Banjos

Jack presented two Early American (circa 1850's style) banjos he recently finished building. Both are inspired by the the instruments that were made by Boucher, a Baltimore builder of the mid-19th century.

In addition to the neck and the rim he made most of the brass components. The instruments have natural animal-skin heads and nylon strings that simulate the sound that was obtained from the originally used gut strings. Consistent with the banjos of that time period these instruments are tuned five, half-steps below modern banjos.

The banjo with the behive finial on the peghead and the six-bracket, 13", scalloped rim is made of cherry. The other banjo is mahogany with an ebony fingerboard and has an eight-bracket, 12", rim. The large rims and low-pitched tuning produce a rich, resonant timbre.

Kerfed linings and walnut rosette for the "Guitar for Vets"

We leveled the sides and glued on the laser cut kerfed linings donated by Kevin Ryan.

Kevin Ryan is an innovative guitar maker who uses technology to enhance the art and process of guitar making. His laser cut linings are one example of his innovations. Learn more about Kevin Ryan.

We used Fish Glue for the linings. It is similar in properties to hide glue but has a longer working time.