rubicon - Posted - 04/11/2013:  19:12:38

Thanks Dan 

Dan Knowles - Posted - 04/11/2013:  19:37:45

4-11-2013

SAINT AUGUSTINE & OTHER FRIENDS

Nothing like folks droppin' in! Today like most days there were several and I got a couple to hold still for the camera. My good friend Mark Mann from Colorado Springs, Colorado dropped in to chat and admire Saint Augustine...

...as did my pal and BanjoHangout member Allen Barge (I hope I spelled it kinda close Allen).

I wasn't quite happy with the way the Saint's nut looked. There was just not enough of the fossil walrus ivory pith showing, so I made a new nut. Here it has been fit to the slot and is being marked for string slot depth...

Here I'm cutting the first slots. They will be made deeper to fit the strings when on the banjo...I wish these photos would have shown the true beauty of this piece of material.

After much work in getting everything just right, I pulled the nut from the banjo to sand and polish it. Here I'm sanding with 800 grit. I'll sand this to 1500.

On go the new strings. You'll notice the bridge here, it's a commercial carbon graphite one. Soon I'll make one just for the Saint...

Well I told ya I'd be making one! I made four bridge blanks so I could choose the one that I am happiest with and this one I'll complete. These are made of 130 year old piano bridge maple, it was on a 1886 square grand that had been damaged beyond repair and it is topped with an ebony cap.

Ready to saw out...

Sawing...

I clean up the cuts with a round file. Next I'll split each of these pieces in half to make two bridge blanks...

After the bridge blanks were sawed they were sanded on the belt sander to give them their nice 'bridge' v shape. They are also sanded the reach our desirable weight of around 2 grams.

I sanded , shaped, sanded some more, branded, stained and buffed the bridge and then mounted it on Saint Augustine.

Well tomorrow David Emery and John Balch will be here. It will be interesting to hear their impressions of this banjo. It will even be better to hear Saint Augustine sing!

TOMORROW THE STORY CONTINUES...

Dan Knowles - Posted - 04/11/2013:  19:41:12

Ellen,

I never do thing randomly!

The different colors of tape have a tonal purposes.  

Really I just did it to see if anyone would notice...

Kaelri - Posted - 04/11/2013:  19:53:04

HA! You had me goiin' there....but only for a minute. 

Will1717 - Posted - 04/11/2013:  21:48:53

Dan:

What did you place at the ends of the nylon strings to hold them in the bridge? I'm assuming that you're using nylon strings. Is this the case?

jbalch - Posted - 04/12/2013:  14:02:00

I witnessed an epic struggle today:

The exchange:

Let's settle this like gentlemen - how about a JAM.....

Dave's new banjer (St. Augustine)

Dan's new (old) banjer-( the all-ebony Sherry Lynne)

BOTH were winners!

Edited by - jbalch on 04/12/2013 14:03:29

Kaelri - Posted - 04/12/2013:  16:35:10

Very Entertaining! ha ha!

Dan Knowles - Posted - 04/12/2013:  18:49:22

4-12-2013

THE SAINT HEADS HOME

'bout 9:30 this beautiful morning David Emery and his brother-in-law rolled up to Knowles String Instruments for a grand case opening. Soon John Balch showed up and a great time was had by all! We all got to picking the new and the old banjos, playing through David's banjo collection (or at least part of it), John's new Andy Todd guitar and a few of my toys.

It was so cool for me to hear the Saint from out in front. It is always amazing the difference a banjos voice has when one can stand back a bit and listen from when it is your lap.

Saint Augustine is quite pleasing to me from both angles. Big and Warm! It was a real treat to hear both David and John tickle the banjo masterfully into song.

I did make a video of David opening the case for the first time. I'll post it as soon as I get it worked up.

Here is David soon after the Saint appeared to him...

And John checkin' it out...

GLAMOR TIME...

Tomorrow I'll be posting from the QUEEN OF THE MISSISSIPPI somewhere between Memphis and Helena, Arkansas on the Mississippi river... See you then!

Edited by - Dan Knowles on 04/12/2013 18:54:29

jbalch - Posted - 04/12/2013:  19:24:23

St Augustine is another Knowles masterpiece. The photos are great. But they are inadequate to display the magnificence of this banjo.

The photos I posted above are in jest. But in truth this was one of the best banjo trades I've ever seen. David got an incredible piece that suits him perfectly. The ebony banjo is back in Dan's hands to be played and enjoyed. 

Congratulations to both!

Edited by - jbalch on 04/12/2013 19:25:22

Davidprat - Posted - 04/13/2013:  02:42:02

Great banjo ! Dan you are such a great luthier! And how lucky you are to have some of the best banjp players in your shop, If in our next trip to the States We have the chance to be around Paris Tn. I would love to meet you!

Edited by - Davidprat on 04/13/2013 02:42:34

jbalch - Posted - 04/13/2013:  05:52:31

David Prat:  You would indeed have a great time at Dan's shop in Paris.  I hope you csn make it over there when you are in the US next time. You and Dan would have lots in common and I'm sure the friendship would be mutual.

Not only is Dan an incredible artist and master luthier, but you must also hear him play banjo.  Dan is a former Uncle Dave Macon Days National Old Time Banjo Champ and an awesome composer and showman.

Dan Knowles - Posted - 04/13/2013:  12:05:25

David & John,

Thanks so much for your kind remarks. John it was great to see you yesterday and David you would be welcome to drop in anytime!

Dave1climber - Posted - 04/13/2013:  12:48:06

Dan

Having followed this topic from the start, all I can say is that i wish I had been there to enjoy the joy.  Every detail perfect.    

Dave

Dan Knowles - Posted - 04/13/2013:  12:52:55

4-13-2013

ON THE QUEEN OF THE MISSISSIPPI

After yesterdays most exciting day, today I find myself in room 115 on a beautiful spring day, riding down the Mississppi River... This is fun. At lunch I was able to talk about old cars, veterinary medicine, river traveling and banjos, a near perfect combination.

I left Paris headed for Memphis this morning at 7AM, all ready for the three hour trip to B.B. Kings city (well maybe Elvis too). In my town the leaves are just beginning to open. It was a mild 34 degrees. Mark Schatz (Shatzbo) wonderful banjo playing eased out of the stereo and I was off.

Several ours later (and a couple of stops for coffee & etc.) I arrived on the outskirts of Memphis. Notice the change in the trees. Its amazing what a few miles going south will do.

The Queen was docked at the Beale St, wharf . Hear I'm walking down this spring shaped ramp to the boat.

This is my home away from home for the next couple of days...

In future posts I show you around the boat. 

See you real soon!

Steven M - Posted - 04/13/2013:  13:10:21

Heaven!

Dan Knowles - Posted - 04/13/2013:  22:09:06

4-13-2013

MIDNIGHT ON THE MISSISSIPPI

Back in my room, tonights show is complete (it went well) and I've just left a most delightful conversation with a doctor from Western Mass, and a couple from England. I think I meeting interesting folks is what I enjoy the most on these trips.

Here are a few more of todays photos...

Several passenger paddle wheelers tied up at Memphis' Beal Street Wharf...

A towboat pushing a tow in front of a Tunica, Ms casino...

Me relaxing playing the Pharaoh banjo...

More on Sunday...

dbrooks - Posted - 04/14/2013:  04:15:49

St. Augustine is an amazing banjo, Dan.  The pictures are a real treat.  The music, no doubt, created its own pictures.  Somehow I missed that you were getting Sherry Lynne, the all-ebony banjo, in return.  You and David Emery have lots of enjoyment ahead of you with those instruments.  Thanks again for letting us tag along on this journey.

David

Dave1climber - Posted - 04/14/2013:  05:01:48

Dan

This riverboat gig is looking more and more like a paid vacation, nice!

kwl - Posted - 04/14/2013:  06:39:31

Dan, I'm envious; not just of your luthier and playing skills, but also for that trip on the Queen of the Mississippi. You just continue to amaze me. Thanks for sharing A Luthier's Life with us. Enjoy the cruise.

Ken

The Pope - Posted - 04/14/2013:  09:52:55

St. Augustine: b****in' banjo! 

DEmery - Posted - 04/14/2013:  18:59:01

Well the banjo Saint Augustine now resides in St. Augustine. I made the trip back from Tennessee to Florida and expected with the change in weather the banjo would need to be tweaked. Pulled er' from the case and she was still in tune. This banjo is stable and settled as if it was years old. It was good to see Dan again and of course having John Balch to make the trek over from Murfreesboro rounded out the day.

This banjo is a piece of art for sure and like all of the banjos Dan has built for me over the years; it is a real player. The brass clad rim makes it truly different from any of my other banjos. Dan's oil finish puts a very organic feel to the neck and the profile is totally comfortable. From the 20 year old highly figured maple Dan pulled from his stash; Brazilian rosewood from the Martin Factor that dates back to the 1950's: custom tuners; mastodon tail piece and walrus tusk nut - this is a unique banjo and I cannot thank ole' Dan enough.

David E.

Dan Knowles - Posted - 04/15/2013:  11:54:17

Dave,

It felt like a paid vacation until I got on the Greyhound buss!

Ken,

Thank you so much!

Pope,

What were those four lettersthat you lost?

David,

You are so welcome! It was great to see all of you here in Paris. I can hardly weit to got home and relax with the Sherry Lynn banjo!

Dan Knowles - Posted - 04/15/2013:  12:33:29

4-15-2013

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

I'm just outside Yazoo City, Mississippi riding on the Greyhound Buss heading towards Memphis, Tennessee. We just passed a swampy aria that had a thick growth of cypress. It is a nice day for traveling the sky is blue over this flat delta country. One can almost hear Robert Johnson, Mississippi John Hurt and Son House. This is so different from Vicksburg with its steep hills and lush trees.

I arrived in Vicksburg yesterday and wondered its hills and admired the freshly bloomed Dogwoods. It has been such a long winter in Paris, I hope that some of this green has happened at home.

Yesterday I walked around the town and spent several hours hiking the hills, talking to some of the most interesting folks and inspecting the beautiful antique buildings. Unfortunately I misplaced my cable to download photos from my camera.

This was a very interesting although derelict home (I don't like showing the postcard type images).

This little statue was in someone's garden...

Ok... at least one postcard shot...

And Now the QUEEN OF THE MISSISSIPPI, docked in Vicksburg...

Tomorrow, BACK IN PARIS!

Dave1climber - Posted - 04/15/2013:  14:12:55

Dan

Traveling, sightseeing, someone else driving, still seems like a paid vacation to me.  From that last photo it looks as if the mighty Mississippi could use a bit of water.  Happy trails to you.

Dan Knowles - Posted - 04/16/2013:  07:12:18

Dave,

Yes the Mississippi is still down a bit. They tell me that it is rising though and it is up quite a bit from its level last fall.

Dan Knowles - Posted - 04/16/2013:  07:58:51

4-16-2013

DOWN IN THE DELTA

Although I'm home now (and getting ready to go to the shop) I just can't let the travel go yet!

Bussing through the Mississippi Delta yesterday was an experience! I've listened to the music of the great Delta Blues players since I was a child and just seeing the country that gave birth to such greatness was a privilege.

We traveled on the Blues Highway, Highway 61 through Clarksdale, Indianola, Rosdale and Greenville. Once out of the hills of Vicksburg and Jackson the land became flat and the ancient opulence of Vicksburg vanished. Most of the buss terminals were worn rusted house trailers. Tunica was the only break from the poverty of the region and its garish Vegas influenced casinos left me wondering about the truth of what I was seeing...

Still, I remember the people that I met:

The poet behind the counter at the Quality Inn.

A Taxi driver who picked me up at the boat who talked knowledgeably about blues, jazz, soul and country music and was reading a book about Robert Johnson.

One thiritish young man just released after ten years in the federal pen.

The former truck driver who explained how tough it was to make a living driving.

The young mother returning home to Memphis.

The bus driver who kindly allowed me to bring most of my instruments on board (when they were supposed to be in luggage).

The tattooed girl who sat just ahead of me and never said a word.

The aspiring young guitar picker/ songwriter who I shared a tune or two with.

The fella who helped me carry 3 banjos, 1 guitar, a product box and my luggage across a busy Memphis bus station to find a taxi.

Lastly the ancient black taxi driver in Memphis who claimed to be Irish and love Hard Rock.

*

Here from Sunday evening is a photo of me tuning one of the many Mini banjos before my program.

On Highway 61 in the bus...

Outside...

The tattooed girl...

Clarksdale...

Salvation on Highway 61...

Next post from the shop, later today...

Edited by - Dan Knowles on 04/16/2013 08:08:52

Dave1climber - Posted - 04/16/2013:  08:07:55

Looks like all in all a great time.  Thanks for the many photo's.

Edited by - Dave1climber on 04/16/2013 08:08:48

Dan Knowles - Posted - 04/16/2013:  08:10:37

Dave,

You are so welcome.

banjeaux bob - Posted - 04/16/2013:  08:14:03

...and you didn't speak to the girl with tattoos? 

The black Irishman aint so hard to believe...

You heard the one about the Cuban-Irisman that married the gal from China? ...... They named their first son   Jaun tonn O'Mara.

banjeaux bob - Posted - 04/16/2013:  08:14:59

Seeing as how you name your instruments,will one ever be called ..... " Dan Knowles Best" ?

Dan Knowles - Posted - 04/16/2013:  10:36:29

Bob,

I doubt it...What I might feel is my best may not be the best in someone else's eyes or ears.  For example the banjo that I just did for David Emery, I think that he feels that it is "Dan Knowles Best." While I on the other hand received the Sherry Lynn banjo and may I think that it is "Dan Knowles Best."

So then who is correct?

Both.

That said, I constantly with every banjo, try to make it "Dan Knowles Best." I want every client to feel like they have "Dan Knowles Best" work.

Kirk Jacobs - Posted - 04/16/2013:  13:51:17

Maybe not a "best" but how about a "Dan Knowles Select" like certain fine wines and spirits.  

Dan Knowles - Posted - 04/16/2013:  18:02:01

Kirk,

Maybe.........................................................

DEmery - Posted - 04/16/2013:  18:13:56

Hey Dan...I don't know what best means for everybody but having owned Sherry Lynne and now Saint Augustine - I can say they are among the best of their kind. Sherry Lynne is such a special banjo it is hard to compare it to anything I've seen or owned. I have been using Saint Augustine a lot since picking it up at the shop last week. What a banjo............ David E.

Dan Knowles - Posted - 04/16/2013:  19:03:54

David,

I changed Sherry Lynn's strings and taught all afternoon using her all afternoon. I'm very afraid that this one may quickly become my favorite banjo. I'm sure glad that you are happy because I sure am!

jbalch - Posted - 04/16/2013:  19:32:52

Win .... Win!

Dan Knowles - Posted - 04/16/2013:  19:40:49

4-16-2013

IN THE SHOP...AGAIN

Oh it is so good to be back in my shop today! There is a lot of work for me to do and it feels good to dive in after a few days away.

There wasn't much time but still I set things up for teaching, changed the strings on Sherry Lynn and haired a cello bow. All before my students students started pouring in.

As we all have to change strings I thought that this might be helpful. With this method I can change a set of strings very quickly and have the instrument holding decent tuning...

This is how I do it...

First the old strings are removed and the fingerboard is cleaned (if needed, on this banjo no cleaning was needed!), polished and then the frets are polished. The fret protector keeps me from marring the fingerboard.

The fingerboard is oil treated with Dan's Secret Sauce, here pure walnut oil (with no vitamin E). Walnut oil is the major ingredient in my fingerboard oil. Also I'll add poppy seed, boiled linseed and a bit of dark tint. it really makes them shine!

I just wanted to show a photo of this fossil walrus ivory nut...

Finally on to stringing. This is how I do it;

1st. the peg hole is lined parallel with the string line. The string is threaded through the peg hole...

2ed. the free string is pulled towards the center of the peghead and brought under the string...

3rd. the free string is pulled back over the top and a kink is formed. When the tuner is tightened it is locked in place...

Here I'm wiping the back of the banjo's neck to remove any oil that may have run down when I treated the fingerboard...

On to the cello bow re-hair. Here I'm removing the ferrule from the bow frog. Going gently I don't mar it.

Stripped of its hair, the bow goes into the re-hair jig/ vise...

Trimming the hair just beyond the tie...

Burning off the excess hair beyond the tie...

And combing out the hank...

Soon the bow was completed. Just in time for my first student Jerry Bierly. Here I'm teaching Denton Jordan, known as Woodturner here on BanjoHangout...

See y'all tomorrow...

Woodturner - Posted - 04/17/2013:  04:52:10

I think you got me confused with another student, Dan.  The dude in that picture has a whole lot more grey hair than I see in the mirror.  Thanks for brining me along on the banjo learning ride.

Paul R - Posted - 04/17/2013:  09:29:53

Dan, I think that old grey-painted building is (was) the carriage house, now used as a "regular" house.

This has been such a great journey, so far. There's always so much to learn, and there's always more to learn.

Thanks!

Dan Knowles - Posted - 04/17/2013:  16:29:26

Denton,

It's just the light...

Paul,

Thanks...is that ever so much the truth!

Dan Knowles - Posted - 04/17/2013:  17:12:44

Day 17 of April

LUTHING ONLY

There ain't nothin' like a productive day! Sure leaves ya feelin' great at the end of the day!

There were so many repairs made that todays post should have been called GUITAR, FIDDLE, GUITAR GUITAR GUITAR! YAH!

Nuff braggin'...

The first victim was a late 1970's Sigma D-18 knock-off with a cracked bridge. These bridges are prone to this. Often times the bridge pin holes are not properly fitted to the pins. When the pins are forced down into their holes the wedging action causes the bridge to crack between the pin holes. I taken care of early enough, like on this guitar it is a relatively simple fix. Wait to long and it is new bridge time.

Here the strings have been removed and I'm pulling the saddle...

Cyno glue is fed to the crack and is allowed to seep all the way to the bottom of the crack...

After a few minutes the surface is sanded and the sanding dust fills the crack...

More glue is added, More sanding, more glue and is sanded until the crack is filled completely with the mixture. Although it sets rather quickly the bridge is left alone for at least an hour to be sure.

As the glue sets I clean frets and the fingerboard and accomplish a few side chores...

After the glue has set up, I ream the pinholes and countersink to match the original factory work...

Saw in the string ramps...

Once every thing is fitted and the saddle and strings are on I move on to a violin. I'll be replacing the tuning pegs. The original adjustable friction pegs had started to fail. Here I'm drilling the bushing so I can ream it to fit the new peg...

Reaming...

Sawing the peg to length. Next I'll dress the peg end, drill the sting hole, make a string ramp the put it all back together...

The next patient was a nice left handed Fender Strat (from the 90's) that has a few electrical problems and needs a setup...

Next a black Eppiphone Les Paul that needs cleaning, stringing and intonating...

Lastly a 30's Gibson L-1 that is equipped with buzzes, cracks and other such fun...

More Fun tomorrow...

Dan Knowles - Posted - 04/19/2013:  06:04:40

18 April 2013

BRIDGING THE GAP

Continuing with the old Gibson L-1, The inspection show that the bridge is lifting. So I'll have to pull the bridge and re-glue it.

Gibson guitars of this vintage seam to be prone to loose braces. In days of yore I used to use a mirror and light to peer around inside, now I use this inspection camera. I can run it along all the length of each brace and visually inspect . Tonight I will post a few photos of the camera view from inside the guitar. That is the camera end I'm holding in my right hand.

Inspecting...

The first job in removing the bridge is pulling the bolts that hold the bridge on. So out come the pearl dots. They will be replaced with new ones...

Out come the bolts. These have been changed at least once because they are not slot-heads.

The top is covered with a cardboard-aluminum foil cawl then a heat lamp is used to soften the glue joint. I have used the LMI heat blanket to do this job, but the old heat lamp works quicker for me.

Off and not much damage at all...

All the old glue must be scraped from the mating surfaces...

Now it is glued on. I forgot to keep shooting photos after this so today I'll make one of my clamping system before I break it all down. BTW all of the glue squeeze out is cleaned before it cures...

More later...

Dave1climber - Posted - 04/19/2013:  06:28:39

Dan

What kind of glue are you using for the bridge?

Dan Knowles - Posted - 04/19/2013:  17:16:31

Dave,

For this one I'm using Titebond.

Dan Knowles - Posted - 04/19/2013:  18:09:53

4-19-2013

DUCK TAPE...

Boy did it dawn chilly this morning! It's Dogwood Winter her in Tennessee. Tonight we might have some frost again. There go all the tomato plants that some folks put out too early.

Still the Dogwood trees are in bloom. The four white or pink petals of each flower are a blast of spring color here in Paris!

I got in the shop this morning around 8 AM and before I got in the door I had a nice chat with my bike riding pal Bob and Howdied my neighbor Mickey.

There waiting for me on the bench was the 1932 L-1 Gibson flattop guitar. I know its 1932 because Brian Carter told me. Brian owns it and he must be right!

First we have a bit of yesterday's business to take care of.

This next image is from the inspection camera I showed y'all yesterday. The photo is of a tone bar (on the bass side) intersecting one of the X braces, also you can see underside of the top. I know this may be a bit difficult to make out, kind of like looking at a baby in an ultrasound.

So I got onto taking the clamps off of the bridge. I made this bridge clamping fixture about 25 years ago. There is no telling how many bridges it has helped clamp...

The bolts are put back in the bridge and here the dots are being glued in the tops of the bolt holes...

The handle of a screwdriver is used to push the dots firmly into their holes...

After the glue dries and because the dots are slightly proud of the surface they are sanded flush...

Glue squeeze out is reamed from the peg holes...

The old L-1 is now strung up and ready to go...

A little banjo work (this is the banjo hangout after all), My Old Cremona (minstrel banjo) needed stringing...

Denton Jordan, AKA Woodturner here on the Hangout, dropped in. Low and behold it is his Birthday!  So Sherry Lynn the Knowles ebony banjo managed to find her way into  his arms for a little dance. Does he look happy?!?!

Here is something I made today, it's a case for my musical handsaw. This is a precious old saw to me. It is an old cast steel saw that belonged to my great-grandad, my grandpa, my dad and now me. This saw was the one my dad played when I was a boy and the one he taught me to play on. He played this one when we used to do saw duets. Also this was the saw I first learned to saw wood with.  I've carried it in a sown bag for years and the bow rosin would fall out and get lost. That is what happened during last weekends trip so finally I decided to do something positive about it.

The case body is built out of blue board Styrofoam insolation and is covered with white Duck Tape. Velcro straps hold the top and body together. it's nice and light and hangs on its strap nicely.

See y'all tomorrow!!!

pastorharry - Posted - 04/20/2013:  02:17:50

Great pictures Dan! I really appreciate watching that old Gibson come back to life. What's the saying? Oh yeah, "Only a Gibson isn't glued enough"....or something like that. Good to see John and Dave, even if from a slight distance :)..aloha!!

Kaelri - Posted - 04/20/2013:  06:30:02

Happy "39th" Denton! (ahhhhh, to be 39 again!)

Love the duck tape case! Amazing how we cannot live without the stuff! (duct/duck tape)

Ellen

Dave1climber - Posted - 04/20/2013:  10:20:12

If it doesn't move and it should, WD30......if it moves and shouldn't, DUCT TAPE!!!

Dan

I am wondering where you found that handy dandy look inside tool?

Dan Knowles - Posted - 04/20/2013:  17:15:11

Dave,

That handy dandy look inside tool is a inspection camera. I bought it at Harbor Freight. It was around $180 or so as I recall. They have a cheaper one but it just doesn't work as well as this one.