The Hub

Hi, I have been trying to use vacuum for big surface glue-ups; fretboard to neck, drop or carve top to body etc. But I am not sure I am completely happy with the system that I have. It feels as if it's not always hugging the slabs as well as it should (or in comparison to physical clamping). I had purchased a kit with a pump from a British small company and the pump, although it's small, seems to be working okay. But the very thin vacuum…

What is everyone using to cut the channel for a soundboard spline?

Hi, I just saw the Trussrod repair/ new fretboard post by Dan Erlewine and Rodrigo Gomes. I really liked it, especially the idea of carving the fretboard with the table saw! I could not comment on the article. I am sure there was a reason for replacing the whole fingerboard in their case. I wanted to document an alternative method that I tried two weeks ago with sucess. I did not invent it though, i have seen it somewhere in the interne…

Hey all. StewMac is looking for an experienced luthier (build and repair) to help us refine a series of articles for our website designed to enhance our SEO optimization (part time / contract). This work is remote and you will coordinate with our marketing team and SEO agency. The main objective will be editing and making suggestions to our team to ensure the quality of the information is accurate and reflects best practices within the cr…

We are having an event with Dan Erlewine on September 29th focussing on the Total Vise Proper Workstation and the Erlewine Bodyless Neck Support. As part of that event we would like to see your modifications, jigs, helpers, hold-downs, prop-ups, or other wizardry you have come up with to enhance your workstaion. Please reach out to me and let me know if you'd like to participate.

Here is a simple tool that has helped me many times. Mic goose neck with a cut drum stick on end to push out side damage repairs. It also has a couple of magnets on the other end to position cleats or connect with outer magnets.

A local shop I do repairs for sent me this photo of a Texan where the neck is collapsing into the soundhole. I’ve repaired and cleated these kind of cracks before they get this bad, but have never dealt with such misalignment. Looking for advice on how I’d go about realigning the cracks and whether it’s achievable. I’d imaging the neck would have to come off and I’d have to place some sort of jack inside the guitar from tail block to nec…

Great video @member Hello People! Thanks for joining me for this binding repair video! We're working on a '72 Chet Atkins Nashville and a '60 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman. Cheers, Scotty D., Harpeth Guitar Restoration, LLC. Nashville, Tennessee

It's not a big chip so Iwas thinking of trying the black glueboost fill n' finish. Is that the best option? Any tips/suggestions appreciated. Thx! David

Client wants me to add a Tone control similar to this (pic) to his archtop. where can I get one? Thx!

Hi guys, it's my first post here. First of all, english is not my first language, so I'm sorry for any mistake or its a bit rough. Recently I have a Sterling Maj200xsm from a costumer that has tunning issues with the tremolo. Any of you has experience with this model? I made a full set up and I checked the nut, saddles, springs, and dont found the trouble. Sometimes there are no issues at all, then the 2º and 3º string goes higher, then…

I heard some of you were complaining about the tedium of connecting with people to message etc. Due to privacy concerns and the potential for marketing to be abused, I cant auto connect everyone, but I have a compromise. In your profile there is a button that say connect me automatically. When you toggle this it will automatically connect you to anyone who requests your connection. You can also still mute, block and un-connect, if someo…

Hi all, I'd like to get some input on how to address this top blowout. For starters I own this, I got it as a project guitar, 71 D28. I'm not as experienced with acoustics as electrics and this is a big project but I got it to learn new skills and I'm confident I can do it with guidance. It had been stored in the case for many years under tension and was way too humidified. The bridge had pulled up I assume in stages. The center seam se…

Hey all, I've received a call from a woman who's husband ( and former student of Somogyi ) has recently passed, and she's looking to find anyone interested in purchasing his tonewood hoard. It appears he had intentions of building a fair amount more than he had time for here, and she's been calling around to folks hoping for some interest to no avail, so I told her I'd post here for her...She has had another local luthier compile a fair…

I've seen mention that mandolins can be held in the PWS, but haven't seen any good examples of how to go about it here or in the Total Vice materials. Having just started using one, I'm having a hard time coming up with an acceptable solution on my own. Any experienced advice will be appreciated!

I’ve got a client requesting a weight reduction on his Kurt Cobain Jaguar My approach would be in 3 steps see how much I can route down the existing cavities (might not be a lot of weight loss) route under the pickguard without compromising the instruments integrity if additional weight loss is required, drill into the body with airline drill bits to gain a few more grams current total weight all including 4.2kg Any advice is welcomed 🙏🙏🙏