Since there's a lot to do lately, I've decided to make a post to showcase the four projects that are currently on my yard table. Yesz you read that right! I'm currently working on four instruments. They don't have an owner yet, but there's a lot of material at my disposal, so I might as well make a lot of things for show and tell. One never knows when a musician will come around or another client and I could have more options in hands. Variety is key for sales. Or so I think.
This was the table some days ago. Four necks and two sound boards.
The twins
As we speak, one of this instruments is almost closed. I decided to end my first run of plucked-strings instruments making two Venezuelan Cuatros. Why two? Well, my own wasn't made entirely by me. It was a joined effort of my teacher and I. It was an interesting way of showing me how to do this and that. He did something and showed how and then it was my turn. That's how I learned the craft. The rest it's been doing, breaking and learning from others.
These two are the 10th instrument of the first run. They end it for once. I have also established the other series taking into consideration the labels and other details from timber, finishing, tubing machines and strings.
The twins in particular are part of the white series. These are the cheapest instruments in the workshop. Suited to those who want to learn and musicians who are upgrading from a crafts' shop instrument. All come in national woods and have few ornaments.
Concert Type
To be honest, I don't like nor understand this way of tiering instruments. I have read so many times the words study and concert. People buy into this mysticism thinking it actually means something important. Truth be told, luthiers need a way to keep track of the instruments they make. Series are made for that reason. And this tier level is just another way of saying this instrument is cheap and that one isn't.
My idea behind the labels is having a clear difference between the tiers of instruments. I have a white series for cheap ones or basic, as I refer to them; a black series for the mid tier; and last a gold series for the concert or premium instruments. I still needed to use the term concert because there's familiarity it. There are two models for each series except for the white. So, variety is in stock.
Speaking of which, I'm currently making some gold series instruments. These have some exotic national woods plus a sound board made of imported wood. I took the risk of going with red cedar (Thuja) to make this. It is a very soft wood that gets marks from the slightest things. Finesse is in need to work this properly. But if I don't challenge myself, then who?
You can see here the process of gluing the sound boards and working on the sides. Those woods might look weird but you might recognize Osage Orange (the yellow wood) and the brown one is Spanish Laurel. I'm exited to see these two unfold and listen to the deep and rich sounds produced by a Red Cedar top.
If you're interested in something from the workshop, don't hesitate to ask. You can do it here or send me a message via discord. I'll be more than glad to help you.
That's all for now! The series of these instruments will come soon enough.
Have a great day!