The Hub

Good evening folks, lately I'm experiencing some sanding methods/mechanism frustration. Can't explain better than look like I'm regressing at doing it. The only thing changed in my building routine is that I'm currently using a CNC (I haven't used one for some years) for both bodies and necks. I have no problems with necks, but sanding bodies has become incredibly frustrating, specially around the edges. While I keep improving my c…

I'll open by saying I know nothing about varnish finishes, yet. I've seen this Brentrup mandolin with a varnish finish that has extensive lifting/flaking around almost all edges. Is there a process/chemical for consolidating varnish finish like this? (beyond the brute force GluBoost wicking I might usually do) In any of the violin video sessions, has this type of finish repair been discussed?

My former Santa Fe colleague Kevin Miller is selling the Violin Shop of Santa Fe. If you're looking to move to a place that doesn't suck, Santa Fe is high on my list. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1326747612790128&set=a.482952330502998

I have what appear to be violin tools. Free to a good home. Three items. If you know of a Violin maker/repair person who might need these please let them or me know.

Good morning group! I just joined The Looth Group today. I'm wondering what folks are currently using to sharpen chisels, plane blades, violin maker's knives. Is there a jig you would suggest? What stones, or are you using something better, easier? I know sharpening is a whole world unto itself but I'm looking to up my game. Currently using Japanese water stones and an inexpensive one wheel guide. I'd like to do better. Thanks! Spidey

Hi everyone,I'm kind of new to this and I don't have a lot of experience in finish work so I just wanted to ask for some very basic advice on repairing shellac. I'm working on a violin for my neighbor (it was made by her grandfather in the 1970s) and I think the only structural work it needs done is a new soundpost, but also the finish has a LOT of checking and some parts where it's uneven and looks kind of dirty, as well as a few place…

Anyone got any good tips for regluing a brace in an acoustasonic strat? I can get in there with a magnet and little violin clamp, but can't get effective pressure all the way down with those. Does someone make small scissor jacks? The gap between the top and back is 1.25 inches, so I can't fit even our cut-down normal one. I'd like something a little more elegant than wedging short sticks between the brace and back, but will use th…

Hey y'all, just been tasked with setting up one of those hoffner violin basses — they're strange but fun things, this is one of the modern reissues but it still has the bridge with the frets hammered into it for saddles. The owner plays in a punk band and has had issues with the low E string jumping out at times. I assume without some way of getting the tailpiece to be held down rather than at the angle it wants to be, the best option w…

This is a Suzuki violin company 'Three S' OM-style guitar, circa 1970s. This particular instrument was sold in the Japanese domestic market (my customer purchased it in Japan) but I've seen others in circulation here in Australia so presumably some were exported too. Sides and back are laminated rosewood, the top is solid spruce. Although this ended up being a relatively standard reset, I feel like this is worth documenting as prior to…