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An Introduction to the Stradivarian Mystique by Tim Olsen
Whether or not there is anything new to be said about Stradivari, it is impossible for a serious publication about lutherie not to take him into account at some point. Olsen's lengthy article includes analytical drawings and photos of the master's work. All the guitar and mando folks might wonder what the fuss is about. Olsen sets us straight.
S.E. Nalimov, The Master Balalaika Builder by A.I. Peresada
Nalimov is to the balalaika as Stradivarius is to the violin. This article is condensed from Peresada's biography of Namilov. With photos, drawings, and label reproductions.
M.A. Kupfer, Craftsman by Jim Flynn
It turns out that life for a Russian instrument maker isn't far different than for an American luthier. Long hours, difficult conditions, and small financial rewards. The turf may be different, but the job remains the same.
Building the Prima Balalaika by Jim Flynn
Plans and instruction for an instrument designed by Kupfer. The plan is a reduced version of GAL full-scale GAL Instrument Plan #25. Kupfer is a famous luthier in Russia.
The "Moskvichka" Concert Balalaika; An Instrument Plan by M.A. Kupfer, Jim Flynn, and John Morgan
This is GAL Instrument Plan#25.
A Short History of the Balalaika by Alexandre Belevich
Just like it says. Accompanied by a selection of prints.
Back in the BDAA (Balalaika and Domra Association of America) by Jim Flynn
Perhaps we shouldn't be amazed by the seemingly large interest in various ethnic instruments and the music they produce. It seems that it's easier to change countries than it is to change musics. This organization publishes a quarterly newsletter, holds conventions, and offers scholarships to young musicians.
An Interview with Yuri Aleksik by Jim Flynn
Aleksik is a master prima balalaika player from Kiev. Flynn asks him about instruments in this short interview.
Collapsible Cello Mold by Jack Levine
Levine solves a problem many of us might face at first: How to set up shop in a confined, shared work space. The solution is a take-down mold and a secure footlocker for tools and work in progress.
White Lacquer, No Specks by Dana Bourgeois
Bourgeois discovers a simple trick to keep his spray work uncontaminated — spray it upside down and hold it there until the lacquer flashes off.
Adjustable Compensated Bridge by John Morgan
Bridge set up must be done after the bridge is glued to the guitar in Morgan's system. It also requires many little operations, but the intonation should come out perfect and the saddles remain individually adjustable for height. The finished bridge looks pretty cool, too.
The Cranked Top by Brett Borton
Have you ever seen a mandolin with an intentional crease or sharp bend to the top behind the bridge? That's a cranked top. Borton describes how to add a cranked top to the steel string guitar, though he's not too specific about why we should try it.
Notes on Preparing Lake Pigments by Geary Baese
Baese writes about adding color to violin varnishes in an historically accurate manner. He defines a lake pigment as "fixing . . .an organic soluble dye upon an inorganic carrier to render an insoluble colored compound."
In Defense of Short Scale Basses by Michael Sacek
Sacek prefers a scale length of 31" for bass fiddles and bass guitars. The article contains no plans, but offers enough food for thought that builders should take his ideas into consideration. In the one photo his instruments look pretty interesting.
14-Course Archlute after M. Sellas; An Instrument Plan by Robert Lundberg
This is a reduced version of our full-scale GAL Instrument Plan #23. This blueprint is not meant to offer a complete visual picture of the instrument, but is to be used in conjunction with Lundberg's lecture series as printed in American Lutherie.
Review: First Bass. Reviewed by Tim Olsen.
The reviewer enjoys the premier issue of a magazine for bottom end kind of people.
Review: The Steel String Guitar: Construction and Repair (Updated Edition) by David Russell Young. Reviewed by David Thormahlen.
The reviewer has reservations about the repair chapter of this book, but otherwise finds it to be "accessible, innovative, and valuable."
Review: Useful Measurements for Violinmakers: A Reference for Shop Use by Henry A. Strobel. Reviewed by Al Stancel.
The reviewer gives this book very high marks for usefulness, readability, and accuracy.
Questions
This column provides a list of lutherie teaching facilities, advice about graduating archtop tops, sharpening files with vinegar, plus sources of supply for various guitar components and tools.
This issue is no longer available individually. Its contents are
included in The Big Red Book of American Lutherie, Vol. 2.
(excluding any of the Historical Lute Construction articles by
Robert Lundberg which are available in a book by the same name)
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