Hi Bill,
I've been doing some repair work on various instruments, not building . . . . YET.
I was going to start a guitar this winter but am delaying that until springtime.
I have to get my 'chops' together, in terms of wood working but I am really looking forward to it.
The repair work is very satisfying and fun to do.
I don't believe we've met at any festivals but never say never. I haven't been to any festivals away from Southern Ontario, except for Summerfolk which I attended religiously for several years,if that's any help. We used to camp across from festival there and it was always quite a time. It is possible that we picked together there.
Thanks for the comment,
L8R,
G

William I see you have a mystery bow .Tourte invented the method of bending the wood to achieve the curve .I looked up TOURTE BOWS PICTURES and there is plenty written about him.You can compare the photos,but it did say he never stamped his bows .Pity I wasrooting for you.He only finished them with oil and I think pumice powder.But theres still a chance its a good bow.His sticks were very robust and stiff.Try an expert to see if it`s a good one. I read about Tourte a short while ago.I wanted to know how on earth a Frenchman living in France around 1800 could be making bows with a rare wood only growing in the jungles of Brazil.Then I learned that he tried every type of wood he could think of ,even wood from barrels .The pernambuco from Brazil was being imported and crushed up to make dye .It`s enough to make you cry .Any guitar maker dreaming of a nice piece of rosewood can relate to that situation.Good luck .

Hi, Bill Is it a real genuine Stainer violin? I only have a peripheral knowledge of violins and famous makers, but Stainer pops out in my memory as one of the greatest Austrian makers. There are, of course, just as for Stradivarius violins, a slew of copies around and many of them have his name stamped in the back along with a paper label. The Smithsonian Museum has a page at http://www.si.edu/resource/faq/nmah/violstai.htm and I expect that there is alot more on his violins on the Web. This is another link to Stainer and his violins:http://rperras.tripod.com/id37.htm I'd highly recommend that you spend some time determining how to authenticate it before you undertake any work. Real ones are valued in the realm of Stradivarius instruments. The sheer likelihood of it being a genuine Stainer is pretty low but I'd sure hate to be wrong. Please keep me posted on this one and if I can help any more, just let me know.

Cheers,
Bob

No, I havn't, if my Google is right that is in FL. I've never been in the state. Only made it as far as GA. Your Resonator looks similar to mine tho!

Hi, Bill. I kind of suspected it would be a copy but, God, I'd hate to be wrong. The stamp was a dead give away. Can't wait to see what you've done with the Hensel. Sounds like you've got it going your way. Please post pics when you get it all done.

Cheers,
Bob

Hi Bill I"m interested in the drawings that you mentioned in my post..
will there be a fee involved??
Peace,
Donald

YES PLEASE DO

Give me his number if you have it and I will give him a call, I'm not sure if you have the right contact here, I'm in Australia and am not in contact with him. R.

HEY BILL DO YOU HAVE THE OLD BRACING FROM THE DOUBLE NECK STILL AROUND I WOLD LIKE TO GET A VIEW OF IT PHB

yes a sketch will work i am playing with the idea and trying to learn from others experience

hello William my address is steelstrings1@yahoo.com yes please if you can send me a photo of this bracing so I can have a view I may start my own in a few days do enjoy your afternoon cheers PHB

Nope, but it sounds like it would be a good place to visit!

Hey  do you have any good old looking mandolin finishing recipes to make look lyod loar style that you could share.

Ian Supplee

Hi Bill,

just sent you a friend request- I had come across an Eden uke from 2003 with William Eden, canada on the label and was wondering if it was you, whom I had seen on frets.net?

Terence@guitarbench.com

Hi William,... Looking for some vintage tortoise binding for a J55.  I cant seem to find 

David Nichols.  You suggest looking him up in a post.  Thanks...

Hi Bill and thanks for the friend invite too! 

I always appreciate your comments and look forward to more!