I am about to start my 100th instrument and I cannot decide what to build. Normally I begin building the next instrument about when the french polish on the last one is half done. For some reason, this time I am having a terrible time deciding what to build.
So, this afternoon I decided to inventory my wood. Found some nice Torrified Sitka Spruce that my friends at Pacific Rim had given me, and that got me going.
So, this afternoon I decided to inventory my wood. Found some nice Torrified Sitka Spruce that my friends at Pacific Rim had given me, and that got me going.
Torrified wood has been heated in a special process that pre-maturely ages it. It is supposed to sound like matured tonewood immediately upon completion of the instrument. How about making a Baritone for my 100th using this interesting wood.
Then I came across this matched set of interesting flame maple in my stash. It has this odd brown patch at one end. A matching patch on the other piece, If they were to meet at the bottom end of the instrument sides that might be interesting.
And the other end of these long pieces has this unusual tiger striping that I really like.
Then I found an equally unusual book matched back in the pile, also a walnut baritone neck that I had cut several years ago on the band saw. Maybe I ought to make a baritone for my 100th, Thinking baritone, I went to my plan file and look what I found.
This is a Hana Lima plan for a Kasha baritone. "Kasha" refers to a unique way of bracing an instrument, far more complex than the normal "fan" bracing. It's advocates claim it creates superior tonal qualities and allows the entire top to vibrate with sound. Some very fine luthiers swear by the system. Note the sound hole is up on the shoulder. I am thinking this might be a fun challenge for the 100th. I think I will sleep on the decision and see how it sounds in the morning.
I already have a baritone that I really like, but if this one were better, I could always sell it I guess. What do you think- should I built a Kasha baritone?
I already have a baritone that I really like, but if this one were better, I could always sell it I guess. What do you think- should I built a Kasha baritone?