BNJOMAKR - Posted - 03/06/2013:  02:28:22

It amazes me that you do all that you do in one day!

DEmery - Posted - 03/06/2013:  04:14:19

Dan you are cranking out thosre little banjos. I know you were pleased with the glue technique that allowed you to punch out all those fingerboards. I look forward to seeing how they all turn out. David E.

Dan Knowles - Posted - 03/06/2013:  04:34:51

Ken, Dave &Paul, Marvin

thanks for your comments. I'm glad to know about the Ids of March. It's funny how odd little questions like that will bop around in my head.

I think Bill Deserves a Big, Big, Banjo named after him!

The side bender is a take off of a machine invented years ago by guitar builder Charles Fox. Kevin and I researched all the designs we could find and then designed it and adapted it to my shop needs. We took into account various side widths, lengths and etc. It works quite well although there are a couple of things that I will change to make it do a better job here.

David,

It won't be long till you are here (around 5 weeks) you are here and get to see them in the flesh.... along with another banjo! Maybe you could name one of these little ones!

DEmery - Posted - 03/06/2013:  10:54:11

Hey Dan thanks for the photos of our slot head the other day. I know plans are to start the stain process this week. I spoke to John
Balch today and he stretched our skin for the banjo. Photos of the raw skin and mounted hide are below; and I think this will be visually outstanding. I put one of John's heads on the Seeders #13 Whyte Laydie that got to me from Vermont recently and it is a killer to. The banjo simply sounds great with his heads and the right bridge.

John will have this skin head in the mail shortly. With the rosewood plates, straps, fingerboard and dry relic "penny tone" hardware; this will look just right. Thanks John for the head and Dan I look forward to seeing it come together. Count down is on and I will be in Paris to see this thing in a month.

David E.

Balch Hide Skin Head for Knowles Slot Head Coffee Stained

Balch Hide Skin head for Knowles Slot Head.1

jbalch - Posted - 03/06/2013:  11:45:45

Here are a couple of better photos of the head. I hope you like it:

#164 for David Emery's new Knowles banjo

#164 for David Emery's new Knowles banjo - back side

Tylerb1 - Posted - 03/06/2013:  15:11:04

Dan;

You given it thought about Skyping your talent for the whole world to be able to use 1st hand. Great work. Bob

Dan Knowles - Posted - 03/06/2013:  17:09:13

John & David,

My goodness does this head look great! I really like that one little simi-transparent spot to the left, it kind of looks like Kokopeli to me. That coloration should work great and your timing is wonderful as the pot puttin' together is not very far away.in'

By the way John, are you going over to Clarksville for the State Banjo/ fiddle contest Friday night?

Here are a couple of shots of your neck, David. This may be the last before color. (I hear the question already " Maybelle does he mean he's goin to black 'en white?")

Bob,

Yep I'm a Skypin Sunday evenings now. Would you like to join the bunch?

jbalch - Posted - 03/06/2013:  17:23:40

Dan - i'm not sure about Clarksville yet. Are you going to be there?

Dan Knowles - Posted - 03/06/2013:  17:33:35

March 6, 2013

More d'Amore today. I am ate up with this thing! I can hardly weit to hear her voice. I must be in love already!

Last night before I left the shop I got both the rims laminated  up and the end blocks glued in. These laminated rims are a first for me. I've always done solid rims (or sides) up till now. These rims are solid, stiff and lightweight. They are much more dimensionally stable and should be tone monsters. I'm truly beginning to understand why guitar makers in the 19th. century preferred this approach. One can see examples in early Martin, Torres, Ashborn and European (German and Spanish) makers.

As I started this morning this is how they looked.

Because my top and back will be arched like a barrel, I call this barrel arching, the sides were marked and a whole bunch of wood was removed from the sides with a hand plane. Here is another place where the laminated sides were nice. Hand planing was a dream, smooth and sweet...

Next on went the kirfing (lining).

Clamped...

After a few minutes under clamping pressure the glue squeeze out is cleared off with this chisel and a damp cloth.

The top is being jointed on this sanding fixture. Soon it will be glued.

More soon...

Dan Knowles - Posted - 03/06/2013:  17:34:40

I think I may be. We are trying to get the guys in the band to commit.

jbalch - Posted - 03/06/2013:  17:37:21

quote:

---

Originally posted by DanKnowles

I think I may be. We are trying to get the guys in the band to commit.

---

 Not judging this year?

Dan Knowles - Posted - 03/06/2013:  17:42:01

Nope not this time...I figure I'll just go pick & hang out.

DEmery - Posted - 03/06/2013:  17:46:51

Dan I agree about the color and character of John's skin head. It will tie this whole banjo together color wise. Thanks for posting the photos. I look forward to seeing it all painted up soon. David E.

Dan Knowles - Posted - 03/06/2013:  17:55:50

David,

I agree. You are so welcome.

josephefortner - Posted - 03/07/2013:  02:43:18

Dan. Where does one find tuners like that for a tunneled 5th slot head?????? Got something in the works here.

Dan Knowles - Posted - 03/07/2013:  04:47:26

Joseph,

Those tuners are re-made from a set of mandolin tuners. You can see it being accomplished here. banjohangout.org/topic/251124/14ll be down twards the bottom of that page

It will be down twards the bottom of the page.

Dan Knowles - Posted - 03/07/2013:  19:00:07

OLD-TIME TOP TYME...

This is exciting! Tomorrow night the band and I will head over to Clarksville, Tennessee to compete in the State Old-Time string band competition. We will leave Paris around 5 PM and who knows when we'll get in. So I'm not sure about tomorrows post. I'll try to get something up here for you if I can.

Well here I am gluing up the top set. These pieces of wood are special. I bought them from my friend Tom Morgan. Back in 1960 he bought about 2000 top sets from Martin Guitar Co. These were quite high quality sets for the time. They had only one flaw. They had a lot of Bear Claw figure. Anyway close to 10 years ago I purchased the last 300 sets or so from Tom. One of those old Martin sets is being used here.

Gettin it set in the gluing fixture.

Weighted down... his may be one of the more expensive weights available, but oh well.

Next I started carving the brace on the back... This back is so solid and stiff I'm not sure it needs a brace, but it made me feel better to add one.

Here I'm shaping the center spline...

Here I'm marking the back before gluing...

Stickin' the glue to it and spreadin' it 'round.

And clamped...

More soon!!!

josephefortner - Posted - 03/08/2013:  02:31:41

Dan thanks for the repl. Should have looked in the past or remembered it. This thread rules, Dan as well, you too rule. Thanks for letting us be flies on the wall.

Dave1climber - Posted - 03/08/2013:  05:54:59

Dan

I have to believe that you have thought out what the final product might look like long before the first piece of stock is cut, and well before anything is bent.

Did you make the clamps that are in the image of the back clamped?

Good luck in your competition, please let us know how your group does.

I along with 20,000 other viewers enjoy watching you make what you do appear effortless.  Many thanks

Dave

Edited by - Dave1climber on 03/08/2013 06:05:25

rubicon - Posted - 03/08/2013:  05:59:26

Very interesting , I really enjoy watching  this thread I find myself going here daily   to watch these instruments come to life   ,thanks for taking the time and effort to share this with us !

bill t - Posted - 03/08/2013:  06:16:20

Dan, Thanks very much for this thread! It's very interesting. I appreciate your taking the time to do this. Bill

Dan Knowles - Posted - 03/08/2013:  14:39:55

Joseph,

Thanks so much. Now I remember why I got rid of my fly swatter!

Dave

Thank you,

 I always imagine what the completed project will be like. Some times I even come close. But still it is always a surprise when a job is complete. The completed project is nice for me , but I really like the trip more than the finish. I'm always waiting to see what is around the next bend.

No I didn't make those clamps although I've made several that are very like them. Cam clamps arnt a difficult build. These I believe came from Conn.

Rubicon & Bill ,

Thanks it's folks just like you who's kind comments and watching eyes bring me back again and again.

Everybody,

I got todays photos posted but I've run out of time and need to leave for Clarksville. So either late tonight or tomorrow I'll post my blurbage along with the photos. Thank you for going along for the ride with me. I appreciate each of you.

Dan

DEmery - Posted - 03/08/2013:  16:23:14

Dan by the time you see this I hope the band compeition went well. I am sure you will see some old friends which is always a good time. David E.

Dan Knowles - Posted - 03/08/2013:  23:37:50

David,

I just got home from Clarksville. It's 1:28 AM. We had a great time. The boys and I laughed all the way over and back. Mark Holladay kept us all in stitches! At the contest I got to visit with loads of folks that I only see at events like this. My banjo pickin' pal Daniel Rothwell  and I got to spend quite a while talking music and flogging the banjos. The band competed and we got 3rd. in the state. Anyhow tomorrow after I get back from teaching I'll get up a regular post. See y'all then.

BNJOMAKR - Posted - 03/09/2013:  05:02:45

Dan

Please let us know when you will be on Creative License. It's not available on air in my area, but I just found it on the net and don't want to miss seeing

your taping. I look forward to seeing your post every day! Thanks for taking time to post!

Thanks!

Marvin 

Kaelri - Posted - 03/09/2013:  06:35:37

Congrats on 3rd place! 

We here at our home would like to see that show (Creative License) too. I hope the link can be shared here when it is available. Since we don't do "TV" here, we only watch what we desire on the internet. So that is the only way we can watch it. Looking forward to it! 

kwl - Posted - 03/09/2013:  06:55:13

Congratulations to you and the band! I would enjoy hearing/seeing you folks playing.

Paul R - Posted - 03/09/2013:  08:21:02

Congrats on your success in Clarksville. Did you take the last train? (Groan ...  )

cbcarlisle - Posted - 03/09/2013:  11:24:13

I went to junior high school in Clarksville. Real nice place. Hope you enjoyed it.

Dan Knowles - Posted - 03/09/2013:  20:00:45

Saturday.... ..... .. ... .... .//.

Well folks after a bit of a nap a Skype conversation with David Emery, phone conversation with Tyler Andal, eating some dinner, playing with the dog and in general fooling around, I'm finally setting down at the computer to get yesterdays post together. I know this sounds like an excuse but as my Dad used to say, "Excuses are the nails in the coffin of success!" So of course, this can niver be mis-con-strewed as an excuse...

Thank you for your many comments and for your interest in the Creative License show. I will most certainly post information as to its airing as soon as I know.  It makes me feel good to see folks are at least as interested as I am in seeing it.

Clarksville was great!

We had a large, large time.

Besides the pickin' and competing, the seeing of people who I really like and yet seldom see (other than at the contests) is such a treat! Folks like Steve and Dixie Jones, Dan Wallace, Jonathan Farrell, Boge Quinn, Rob Pearcy, and so many other great folks.

One of the folks who was a real treat seeing was my buddy Daniel Rothwell who Bill Rickard and I built a banjo for several years ago. Dan is a Tennessee State and National Old-Time banjo champion and a heck of a nice fella. We picked, laughed. traded storied and just had a really great time together. Daniel was recently featured with Jessy McRynolds on the Grand Ole' Opry!

Here's Daniel with my green banjo.

I got news today from Tyler Andel. He has again won the Tennessee State Old-Time Banjo Championship with one of my banjos. Last year it was playing the Angel of Mercy and this year he did it with "The Green Machine"!

Tyler is a National Fiddle champion who is making his way nicely in the music business. He's worked for The Greencards, Ryan Holladay Band, Reggie (Future Man) Wooten and has been known to on occasion work with my band. I watched him grow up (along with his brother Nic) and like Daniel he certainly feels like one of my  kids.

Tyler joined my Hot Band for the evening , along with Danny Conger (fiddle), Sam Knowles (Bass) and Mark Holladay (Guitar) giving us a nice big twin fiddle sound. We went out and played our version of the Fred Van Epps tune SUNFLOWER DANCE and then gave 'um a scare with the Hot Band's GHOST STORY. We came out last and came in third, not half bad.

We were beat by Daniel Rothwell and the Slim Chance Band! Congrats Daniel! Here's Daniel and Rob Pearcy wearin' it out!

Well the Mandora d'Amore continued its call.

This is one bug that has really bit me! So of course I went to work on it.

Here I'm gluing in a top brace. This top is barrel arched and so each brace has to be fit. The fitting's is much more difficult than with a conventional flat topped guitar top.

Clamped...

Often times guitar makers will finish the inside of their instruments. This is to slow down wood movement and moisture absorption. Here, I'm doing it for the same reasons and also to add a bit of upper register pop and sparkle. I'm using orange shellac. I love the warmth it visually imparts to the wood.

I like this photo of the top in clamps. This was made just before they were removed.

Here I've started carving the braces. This is another job I really enjoy. It's so fascinating to hear the top change as the wood is removed. It just comes alive! I'm using a small violin makers plane.

And a shellacking!

The shellac is left off of the gluing surfaces so the glue will stick.

Now the most important part, signing the tag!

Well maybe this is the most important part, gluing it in!

Naw this is it, looking at it in!

Moor soon!

Dave1climber - Posted - 03/09/2013:  22:09:45

Dan

Its good to hear that you and your group had a "large, large" time playing, and that you placed third.  I would like to know how many groups dropped out when they found that you would be competing?

The Mandora d'Amore looks as if is coming along very nicely, the orange shellac does improve the look of the inside, I wish I had known about that sooner.  Braces, very important, somewhat like suspenders.  Top on next?

Anyone that has one of those labels in their instruments Knowles that its a good one.  And yes its worth looking at.   

Dave

Edited by - Dave1climber on 03/09/2013 22:15:07

Dan Knowles - Posted - 03/10/2013:  08:35:31

Dave,

 I think we must have been the first to sign up and the others got excited about winning and joined up!

Dan Knowles - Posted - 03/10/2013:  09:19:34

CLOSIN' 'ER UP!

Here goes... this time I get to close the Mandora d'Amore up. She's named (Regina Cantus Crastini, Latin for The Queen of Future Song), shellacked & tagged. What more do I need? Oh yah, the top cartoon. This little detail may be more important than my tag!

Several years ago an instrument trading buddy of mine Hollis Mayo told me how some of the German violin makers would (when antiquing) hide little cartoons on their instruments. It may just be my imagination but over the years I've seen horses heads, human faces, hands and other things like this skillfully hidden in the varnish. This idea got me started in my own personal tradition of cartooning the underside of my instrument tops. I can write in mirror image almost as fast as I can in the regular mode, so it's fun for me to hide my little "hello" for some future luthier who sticks a mirror inside to inspect my work. Here's Regina's cartoon... most folks never see this nor even know it's there.

Here goes the glue...

And on with the top...

Clamped. You might notice the two little finish nails inserted to locate the top in place.

After several hours the clamps are removed and after a bit of lite sanding. I hit it with a bit of shellack to make the grain pop!

I didn't have to do this, I just wanted to see it... and I'll bet you do too! This also helps keep oils (from my hands) as the box is worked on. (That's my story and I'm stickin' to it)

Now at long last I begin thumping and listening to the box. This is very pleasing as it has a full, clear, warm and very focused sound.

Now I listen to the sound produced by a tuning fork.

More Soon!

ronwalker49 - Posted - 03/10/2013:  09:24:09

Hi Dan...Would the bracing in this be enough for a Octave Mandolin...?

Will1717 - Posted - 03/10/2013:  09:32:11

Dan:

Have you ever built anything like this but with a 5 string banjo neck?

jbalch - Posted - 03/10/2013:  09:35:07

LOVE this !

Dan Knowles - Posted - 03/10/2013:  09:52:40

Ron,

Yes this would work quite well as an octave mandolin. I've built several over the years. In fact I've built a mando-cello on an inlarged version of this. I'll shoot some photos of it and post them soon.

Bill,

Yes over the years I've built a number of these. I've called them by various name: Woojo, Wood topped banjo and Marriage Savers. I'll try and post some photos of these soon also. On another note... How 'bout Daniel, the boy has really grown up, hasn't he? He has such a gentle, sweet spirit about him that I hope he always keeps.

John,

I'm glad you like it. Does this give you any ideas for David's head?

dbrooks - Posted - 03/10/2013:  11:37:57

That's great news about Daniel Rothwell.  I have had passing meetings with him twice.  My first was at a Dan Levenson workshop in Nashville.  The second was several years ago at the Kentucky Fiddle Championships where Daniel won the Kentucky State Old-time Banjo Championship.  I made a point to say hello again to his Dad and him and to congratulate him. It's good to hear his musical progress continues.

David

banjeaux bob - Posted - 03/10/2013:  11:47:02

I never quite understood NOT applying finish to the inside.I always figured it was like laying up a panel with veneer....and algerbra.What you did to one side,you needed to do to the other side.All this to keep the "finished" piece from moving and pulling.

DEmery - Posted - 03/10/2013:  12:22:45

Dan those are great photos. Glad there are no backs on my Knowles banjos. That way I don't have to get a mirror and go peek to see what messages you left inside my banjos. Although you did put a secret message in my stamped Knowles skin head. Hey thanks for popping me up on Skype. It is always good have a visit on Saturday night from Paris. David E.

Carved Scoop - Goshen by Dan Knowles

 

Dan Knowles - Posted - 03/11/2013:  04:29:05

David,

I'll pass your congratulations to Daniel when I next see him.

Bob,

I agree with you. There are many builders who believe that the interior finish is detrimental to the sound. In my experience is that it is just one small factor in the tone production. But small factors do add up to the total tone.

David,

It's always good to talk to you. I'm wondering is there anything unusual carved on the tops of your dowel sticks?

Dan Knowles - Posted - 03/11/2013:  04:29:25

David,

I'll pass your congratulations to Daniel when I next see him.

Bob,

I agree with you. There are many builders who believe that the interior finish is detrimental to the sound. In my experience is that it is just one small factor in the tone production. But small factors do add up to the total tone.

David,

It's always good to talk to you. I'm wondering is there anything unusual carved on the tops of your dowel sticks?

Dan Knowles - Posted - 03/11/2013:  04:30:34

David,

I'll pass your congratulations to Daniel when I next see him.

Bob,

I agree with you. There are many builders who believe that the interior finish is detrimental to the sound. In my experience is that it is just one small factor in the tone production. But small factors do add up to the total tone.

David,

It's always good to talk to you. I'm wondering is there anything unusual carved on the tops of your dowel sticks?

Dan Knowles - Posted - 03/11/2013:  04:33:22

Kurt,

I always enjoy the Clarksville contest.

David,

I'll pass your congratulations to Daniel when I next see him.

Bob,

I agree with you. There are many builders who believe that the interior finish is detrimental to the sound. In my experience is that it is just one small factor in the tone production. But small factors do add up to the total tone.

David,

It's always good to talk to you. I'm wondering is there anything unusual carved on the tops of your dowel sticks?

Woodturner - Posted - 03/11/2013:  09:51:32

I've gotten to where I check this thread daily.  Dan is my teacher, I get to see him once a week and even then, I check this thread daily because you just never know what new thing you will see or learn.  What a fun journey this is.

DEmery - Posted - 03/11/2013:  11:27:48

Geee Dan I confess to thinking about the possibility of cryptic "Knowlesonian" markings on top of the dowel stick. Unlike good friend John Balch that enjoys taking a banjo totally apart; I could go years, or possibly never without finding those dowel stick messages. Got to go home tonight and check it out. At least you can say "made you look".

As an aside, I do have proof in the attached photo of a hidden mark on Ole' Abe that hangs on the wall (had er' out this weekend). Youl relic mark is there so experts down the road won't be fooled into thinking Abe was around for Mr. Lincoln to use. Otherwise...I still better check.

David E.

Edited by - DEmery on 03/11/2013 11:35:06

Relic Mark on Ole' Abe

 

Bufo Bill - Posted - 03/11/2013:  14:49:31

Dan, when you next see Hollis Mayo, tell him he has a magnificent name. I don't know him, but these things need to be said.

All the best from Bill. :D

Dave1climber - Posted - 03/11/2013:  16:01:20

Dan

Your graphic on the inside of the top is brilliant!  In the same vein, I noticed that there is writing on the inside of the back, no matter how I turn the computer I can't make it out.  Would you care to comment on that?

Dan Knowles - Posted - 03/11/2013:  17:43:07

Denton,

Thank you very much. I always look forward to our Tuesday meetings! The tenor banjo is a to often ignored, red headed step-child of the moderen banjo world and it is great to explore this great instrument with you.

David....

MADE YOU LOOK!!!

Bill,

I'll sure let Hollis know.

Dave,

That is Regina's name and serial number. I always mark the inside with that.