This issue's cover is of a Clark Irish Harp owned by Cyndy Burton. The Clark "Neo-Irish" harp was a mass-produced instrument that was often used in mandolin orchestras at the beginning of the 20th century. Here's a detail of the colorful soundboard decoration.
Meet the Maker: Geza Burghardt by Cyndy Burton
In 1984, Geza Burghardt and his wife Tini left their native Hungary to pursue a lutherie career in Canada. In this photo, they pose in their shop with Jose Romanillos (holding a French-polishing pad). Jose was visiting them during the 1983 International Hungarian Guitar Festival. We meet Geza in this issue and see detailed photos of his "guillotine," a device for making the side slots in a classic guitar neck.
Crafting Pickguards at Huss & Dalton by Robert Painter
Robert Painter is in charge of making and applying pickguards at Huss&Dalton guitars. He steps us through their system.
Reinventing the Celluloid Tortoise by Henry Stocek
Henry Stocek tells us why it is so hard to find good tortoise shell celluloid.
Meet the Maker: David Rivinus by Jonathon Peterson
The first time you see one of these Pellegrina violas, you may well ask yourself "What the...!?!". In this issue, David Rivinus makes a convincing argument for the logic of this ergonomic fiddle.
Still Voicing, Still Dreaming by Dana Bourgeois
Dana Bourgeois is famous among makers of steel string guitars for his ability to "voice," or bring the best tone out of a guitar top by tapping, listening, and shaving the braces of a guitar during the construction process. He brings us up to date on his current techniques in this issue.
Clark "Neo-Irish" Harp by David Riggs
Remember that Clark harp on the cover? David Riggs also provides an instrument plan of it. A reduced image of the Instrument plan #45 is presented in the magazine, and you can order the full-scale plan from the GAL.
The P-1 Guitar by Kevin B. Rielly
Kevin Rielly has developed a good-sounding little guitar which can be made from a quarter-sheet of 5-ply birch exterior plywood. He gives us a quick rundown.
Meet the Maker: Fabio Ragghianti by Harry Fleishman
Some folks dream of a vacation in Tuscany. Luthier Fabio Ragghianti livesthere! Harry Fleishman traveled to Italy to get the lowdown. He found good guitars, good friends, and good pasta.
The Acoustical Characteristics of the Concert Cymbalom by Janos Pap
Speaking of Hungary, Janos Pap gives us the lowdown on the physics behind the distinctive sound of the Hungarian Concert Cimbalom.
Product Reviews by John Calkin
John Calkin (aka The Masked Avenger) reviews the Stew-Mac Neck Jig in this issue, as well as the Randy Allen cast mando tailpiece. The Avenger is sitting in for Fred Carlson, who will return next issue.
AL#61 The issue also contains letters to the editor, workbench tips, book reviews, Q&A, and a list of lutherie schools.
