Pete Howlett
Well-known member
I had the opportunity to look at a his vintage Guild mahogany baritone ukulele which was a real surprise: Crazy slim neck with a thin ebony fingerboard, completely stable; top with just a transverse brace below the soundhole, a thick spruce bridge patch and a lower diagonal transverse bar between the back of the bridge plate and butt end. The front had a pleasant 'pull' curve to it - about 20ft radius I'd say but no "Hawaiian Belly". When I installed the ebony end pin the beautiful orange drill shavings indicated the mahogany to be Honduran or Belize - the very best. A great 'find' at an amazing price. Everything about this instrument was counter to my expectations. What a pleasant surprise
I didn't take any photos but after about 5 and a quarter minutes of this interview with my students on a build course you can see it in action.
Anyone else have one of these? Are we simply wasting wood and time bracing the front of our instruments? I wish I had time to experiment!
I didn't take any photos but after about 5 and a quarter minutes of this interview with my students on a build course you can see it in action.
Anyone else have one of these? Are we simply wasting wood and time bracing the front of our instruments? I wish I had time to experiment!
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