WOW!!! Today was long and intense! Same as before start at 8AM end around 7:30PM ... we are definitely getting our money's worth!
Today started with a lecture on neck joints ... specifically including examples of dovetail, bolt on and the "Siminoff V" ... Roger showed us the advantages and disadvantages of the several joints and then we proceeded to the "lab" (Roger's shop is actually a gigantic laboratory
in my mind at least ... dedicated to the science of mandolin and banjo design and acoustics)where Roger and Ken demonstrated the actual cutting and fitting of dovetail and "V" joints. There are several pictures here and several more over in the gallery (a link to the gallery is on the left side of this blog) of the various stages of construction of the joints using any number of specialized "jigs" and fixtures Roher has designed over the years. Basically if it requires "shaping" Roger "... has a jig or template for that ..."
The jig to cut dovetail into the headblock
Laying out the dovetail on the neck ...
The neck holding jig to ensure proper angle (6 degrees for an F5) ...
Dovetail cut and fit ...
The jig to cut the "V" joint in the neck ...
The neck "V" now cut ...
Setting the mando body in the jig to cut the "V" in the headblock ...
Some glued up necks ... all "V" joints ... all a perfect fit!
Laying out a neck on stock ... checking for proper grain alignment ...
The way to get the headstock properly tapered ...
Pinning the neck joint ...
Ken demonstrates construction of a truss rod ...
Headstock templates ... and cutting it out on the bandsaw ... Roger made it look easy ...
All of those pictures and many more cover a very full day of intensive lecture, demonstration and hands on bench work.
What isn't covered in the pictures is the wonderful lunch we enjoyed "al fresco" and the lively discussion of how Roger was called into Gibson to review the damage done to Bill Monroe's Loar and the incredible job of restoration Charlie Derrington
did restoring that important old mandolin. Roger shared many pictures he took of the damaged instrument ... if you are interested in Charlie Derrington I refer you to this wonderful
Mandozine article
here.
These photos courtesy of Roger Siminoff 2009
At the end of the work day things got very very intense as all of the campers began to shape the scroll volute and recurve on our backplates ... this is no time to slip with a chisel and everyone was
very focused! ... I'll have some pictures of those incredible scrolls in a later post.
Finally after yet another world class meal (did I mention we are all bound to be gaining weight?) ... Roger did a wonderful presentation on the "art of tap tuning" and why it works ... this notion is actually somewhat controversial in the craft of lutherie but after seeing the presentation and being fully prepped for the actual tuning of our mandolins tomorrow ... none of the attendees have any doubt whatsoever that tap tuning
is a real and critical process in the construction of an F5 style mandolin ... we six at least are "true believers"...
can I get an "AMEN"!!
OK, I have been looking for information about the camp to make plans on attending. Who do I need to talk to to get that information? Do I need to talk to Rodger directly?
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Jim Rose
P.S. I am so jealous.
Hi Jim ... yes, if you are interested in attending a camp with Roger just send him an email or phone him ... he will be very happy to answer all of your questions. His website is www.siminoff.net and there is contact information there ... THANK YOU for checking out my weblog ... it has been and continues to be an incredible experience. You will not be sorry if you get the chance to attend!
ReplyDeleteBade
I will give you an "Amen" -- I trust that I am Amen-ing to the right thing....
ReplyDeleteTruly a lifetime experience, Dad. So happy for you!
How is Mom??????
Great blog!!
ReplyDelete