Letter to the editor by Patrick W. Coffey
Coffey describes how to make a small electric glue pot for under $13.
Letter to the editor by Michael Knutson
Knutson suggests changes to a string tension formula previously published in American Lutherie #2.
Letter to the editor by Peg Willis
Willis makes interesting comments about the musicians' responsibility to an instrument's compensation factor. She contends that a musician's technique can help an instrument play in tune.
Manuel Velazquez: An Appreciation by William Cumpiano
Cumpiano shares a pleasant visit with Velasquez in Puerto Rico where the conversation is all about classical guitars.
Remarks to Symposium '85 by Manuel Velazquez
Velazquez speaks briefly about the qualities that make a good luthier.
A Chat With Don Manuel transcribed by William Cumpiano
Velazquez fields a number of question about the specifics of building the nylon-strung guitar.
Drafting Instrument Plans by Ted Davis
In this lecture Davis describes his method of making instrument plans from a guitar, then fields questions and takes suggestions.
Tarrega Played a Maple Guitar by David Macias
Macias relates an interesting anecdote about the first maple classical guitar he built, then translates Pujol's description of the Tarrega guitar made by Torres.
Devolution of the Modern Lute by Robert Cooper
Cooper's lecture tracks his own development as a lute maker and the instrument's return to historically accurate models.
Building the Kamanche by Nasser Shirazi
Shirazi offers a history of the Persian bowed instrument as well as plans and construction advice. The kamanche is a four-stringed neck attached to a gourd. The plans are a reduced version of our full-scale Instrument Plan #9.
South American Rosewood by John Jordan
Jordan describes 14 varieties of rosewood, and 14 varieties of false rosewood. Some max out as large shrubs, and only offer interest to wood collectors. Others are of high interest to luthiers, or should be.
In the Ramirez Workshop by William Tapia
Tapia relates the history of the Ramirez guitar and tells of his time there learning to properly repair them.
Making the Ramirez Guitar Nut by William Tapia
Tapia describes the method used to make guitar nuts in the Ramirez shop.
Comments on the Kasha Question by Gila Eban
Eban champions Dr. Kasha's innovations. She has incorporated many of Kasha's changes into her own classical guitars.
Comments on the Kasha Question by R.E. Brune
Brune, a defender of traditional values, defends his criticism of the Kasha innovations.
Micro Table Saw by William Conrad
Conrad explains how he converted his Dremel moto-lathe into a miniature table saw.
Dulcimer Fretboards: My Way by Peg Willis
Willis explains the construction of her unique hollow dulcimer fretboard, which has coved sides that blend into the soundboard.
In Praise of the Plywood Bass by Frederick C. Lyman, Jr
Lyman champions the use of common materials and low sophistication in the production of serviceable, affordable bass fiddles.
Luthier's Hotline by Bill Hultgren
Hultgren offers quick advice about obtaining instrument kits and why one should use them, and mentions two sources of used instruments.
Why I Am a Guild Member by Paul Wyszkowski
Wyszkowski, a member of the GAL Board of Directors, gives a pep talk about the advantages and philosophy of GAL membership.
Review: The Luthier's Mercantile Catalog for Stringed Instrument Makers by Luthier's Mercantile.
Reviewed by Frederick Battershell.
The reviewer examines what has become one of the main-stay catalogs of lutherie and finds that it's not only chock full of wood, supplies, and tools, it's a nearly encyclopedic source of lutherie information .
Review: Violin-Making As It Was, And Is by Ed. Heron-Allen. Reviewed by Kirk A. Janowiak.
The reviewer finds that this book is a necessary addition to any luthier's library, but especially to one who may not yet be equipped with power tools.
Review: Geometry, Proportion, and the Art of Lutherie by Kevin Coates. Reviewed by R.E. Brune.
The reviewer finds that this book about Renaissance and Baroque stringed instruments is "the most intense 178 pages of treatise on the art of lutherie. . . ." Lots of math, and "exquisite" drawings of 33 instruments.
This issue is no longer available individually. Its contents are
included in The Big Red Book of American Lutherie, Vol. 1.
