The Hub

What is your preference for black nut blanks? Black Tusq XL is and option, but expensive...and i learned today that sanding Water Buffalo horn has the most putrid smell imaginable. lol Curious what your preference is.

So, for the last several years we have hosted a gathering of luthiers six to eight times a year. We meet as the East Tennessee Luthiers Guild and are both a learning group and a community. We got back together today for the first time since falling away during Covid. It was a great time! These are mostly hobby but a few professionals too. James Condino brought a bunch of nice wood to sell this time

What do you do with instruments never picked up? Non-responsive ghost customers.

Any thoughts on disguising this sand-through? It’s got a black veneer under the wood veneer that is showing through a little. Part of it will be covered by the tuner bushing. Clear finish.

What holders/jigs/vise devices have you built to hold an acoustic guitar body upright? I saw Michael Bashkin using something like this in his neck reset video. I’d like a way to clamp the guitar to the side of the bench while I work on the neck.

$300 plus shipping. Used twice. Comes with foredom, foot control, Stewmac router base, And stand. Comes with 1/8” collet. 3/32” available but can’t find it currently. Will sell without router base for $250.

This ukulele came in with the bridge detached so it wasn’t playable. I have it repaired but the Question is whether it is supposed to have a saddle on this little ledge? It’s a little guy.

Anyone ever done any advertising? What things did you highlight? We've got a videographer in our shop for two days next week to record. We are doing several short social media ads and one longer video that will live on Youtube. We have a great local following, but plan to target a 100 mile radius. WE regularly get people driving that far. Curious what you've learned were good things to focus on.

Was using one of my favorite tools today and wondering what happens when LMI is gone? Is there a possibility someone takes over production of these great tools and jigs? When I heard about LMI closing, I immediately went and ordered a backup fret tang filer…a tool I use every week.

Hey all, curious if any of you use a system for managing estimates, invoices, and payments. I have four guys working in the shop so being able to organize workflow is important. We also need to be able scan a credit card when the customer comes to pick up their guitar. Currently (since outgrowing Square Invoices) we are using a free version of Zoho Invoice that can create a trello card for every quote. My guys LOVE using Trello. When th…

Curious. Has anyone ever had a positive experience with a Stetsbar trem? Every one I’ve had in has been a PIA. This one won’t even carry a string ground.

Just got these and they are really neat. If you like to press frets and do compound or imperfect radius fretboards, these are the ticket.