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…

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…

Working on this 1934/35 Regal built Dobro. It's a Model 37 roundneck in with a few issues-main ones being a bodgy slotted headstock repair, some missing binding, misaligned tailpiece, modified rim on the soundwell etc. It's been a gig pig on and off for the 30 years the current owner has had it. He want's to ditch the Barcus Berry PU, which was on it when he bought the guitar, and patch the hatchet work. I'm guessing the top was origina…

I have some one with a double neck 6 sting/ bass who wants to wire a stereo jack to split the guitar to one amp and the bass to another amp. Before I give up does anyone have knowledge of how to do this? My skill set for electric guitars is- I can solder and follow a wiring diagram, and that's it.

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…

in for some top cracks and playability issues, neck is underset by almost 1/8" with significant hump at the joint...just got the strings off and got a better peek under the circus tent and... how the what the why? i just... really I... ummmm....can anyone guess what is going on here? Tempted to hand it back over any half-measure foolery. Third Japanese built one in this year but I've not seen this sort of hijinx...

Hey all, I have been working with the work station for a few months now. I love it. I found a few little things that have helped me. 1. A mic stand to support the main beam. I bought the Total Vise version and it didn't work as well. 2. Rockler Bench Cookies as rear cross member supports. They have the correct 5/16-18 inserts in them and screw on easily. Now the thread rod has a sort of hi/low setting by just flipping it for acoustic or…

Greetings Wise Elders and fellow seekers of the Looth Group! I hope you're all keeping well. I humbly beseech thee for thine sage wisdom and experience. I purchased a 1971 Hagstrom Swede. This guitar was basically put in a case and then forgotten about for a few decades. I felt sorry for the old man and have taken it in as a stray / project. I would like to get it playing again. There are many scars on this guitar, I have looked for as…

Hey folks! I picked up a neck relief gauge from Doug in one of the earlier batches, maybe the introductory run? Some of the small feet caps that thread onto the moving legs of the tool have cracked, broken, or become worn down. I contacted StewMac about purchasing replacement parts, but they don't sell subparts for the relief gauge and otherwise won't help me. They appear 3D printed, so I was wondering if anyone with the means to print s…

Where is everyone getting their shim stock from? Looking to buy blanks in bulk - mainly for electric neck pockets. Thanks!

Dovetail was 9/16” deep, and 1 9/16” wide at the back. 15th fret was 1 mm tail side of the end of the dovetail socket but a slight angulation towards the headstock landed in the right place. Hide glue, released easily. Nice everyday player, finish and binding beautiful, good spruce top, warped poplar neck.