Nectar Guitars & Co. Inc

Nectar Guitars & Co. Inc. ______________________________________________________________________ "As Sweet As It Gets" Handcrfted, Fine Musical instruments By: RPO Sr."Acoustic Guitars, Gourd Instruments, (Banjos, Ukes) (Fretted & Fretless) Call to order (716) 392-8129

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Neck Blank Construction

In this shot you can view the three pieces of ceder stacked and glued with natural hide glue.
The portion in view is the eventual
 (Nectar Shape) Headstock.


In view is the "Heal" portion of the neck blank.
Notice the grain lines. An Attempt to line them up as a single board is made.
I have to "know the wood" and develop an idea of the finished cut out to do so.
This attempt is very critical to the asthetic quality in the end. 
So, Grains must be in sink as best as possible.
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Again this set up will need to set under clap preasure for 24hrs.
So, In the mean time I got time to puts around the shop and work on other projects.


Monday, May 16, 2011

Buffalo Horn Blank

 Nut, Bridge & Tailpiece
Will be hand carved from this blank of buffalo horn stock.


The Model number & Serial number

The Model #:  UGB-04sNS

This model is a 4 string Gourd Uke Banjo.
 It has a play scoop & the neck is attached to the pot rod at the heal.
 A very playable, strong & durable instrument is the result.

The Serial #:  RPOSRN1010
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Todays work:

The neck is setting up in the shop right now.
 It will be there for 24 hrs before the next set of lumber is glued.

As you can see glue was only applied were needed
.(to the left of the boards directly under the clamps)
The neck and headstock fit nicely on the (suitable) wood for the neck.
The rest is unglued which leaves the trimmings (not suitable for my instruments) for another project.

The neck is of fine quality, highly figured & tightly grained ceder.
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Absolutly beautiful !!
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Here is a shot of the templates made today as promised.
I use 1/4 graph paper & clear tape.
The templates get traced onto the wood & eventually once the project is done & the results are in. I decide if the design is a keeper or if it needs any changes.
Then I'll make a clear plastic (1/8") rendition for future projects.


Good Morning

Today I have BIG plans. I'm getting goin' on the templates for this project and I will post when complete.

Also, I have found some nice neck wood of highly flamed "Ceder". It will make a great looking instrument and boost the flavor of the sound greatly.

 -  The grain is nice and tight 
 -  The patern is wild.
  -  The stock is quite dried and straight as an arrow.

Take A LOOK !


& The same board second look


I have a Buffalo horn blank that is perfect for this project. I will be makin' the Nut, Bridge and Tailpiece from this stock. This set will worm the sound and give a bit of depth when coupled with a thin goatskin head and the nylon string set up.

I'm in search for the gourd pot. I'm gonna want a smaller sized pot with a good deal of depth and a hard thick shell.

the soundhole design is still in the air at this point but will most likly be large to through that nice woodsy smooth sound out as great tone.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Lovin' Life

Before I begin any instrument I take the time to visulize it's out come.

(1) I decide what I believe it should offer in sound and style.

(2) I develope an idea and an overall expandable goal. I spend weeks to months on this overall picture.
                 (2a) What do I want to build?
                 (2b) Why do I have this desire?
                 (2c) How will what I'm developing satisfy that craving to create?
                 (2d) Am I happy with the idea I created. Will it serve the project well

With this "picture" in mind I Then begin to do what I call "BIG" or simply Believe Intend Generate.

(3) I start a journal and begin to put ideas and issues and all things related to the project down in writting. Thoughts, Ideas, life situations during the time of the build. Everything  including, successes, mistakes & activities of the days surrounding the project & more.
.
(4) I set out to find the materials that are idealy perfectly suited to/for my vision.

Nectar instruments are built from and represent my minds eye. My heart and soul get poured right in. I want and expect perfection from day 1 of creation. Iquite literaly "fee"l my way through.

Hello

Nectar Guitars & Co. Inc.
Handcrafted by: RPO Sr.

I started building "Nectar" musical instruments and begun my luthierial journey in 2005.
I build custom gourd Banjos & Ukes.
 I also build fine quality acoustic instruments. (Guitars, Ukes, Bass Guitars)

 I build instruments for the pure enjoyment.
 I love to knowing that my journey as a builder has furthered the journey of a musician. I enjoy working with musicians to grasp thier ideas & pick up on the style, look, and sound they desire to produce from thier "Nectar" instrument.

 In this blog I am going to start by building:  
 4 string fretted uke banjo.