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Thanks, Behlen! You made me look like a pro!
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Schweitzer 1813 violin, but major enough. Pete’s bouzouki has been more complicated. Phillip’s insights into scuffing, sanding, buffing, polishing, the “Cut & Rub”, are so comprehensive, we link to his reply email.Īmerican Toolbox has restored several instrument, notably Hugh’s Collings mandolin & Santa Cruz guitar, several Guild guitars, a few others. With his gentle North Carolina accent, he seems respectful even of the nitrocellulose lacquer of which we speak. Phillip Pritchard, Mohawk Finishing Products Technical Service Representative, has just returned my call. I ordered their spray lacquer, prepared the top, and before you know it, I have Pete’s bouzouki on its way to looking like it came out of the Borgada Spa!Ī few holes in my knowledge base are quickly plugged. Lacking a spray booth and years of experience, I turn to a name luthiers have trusted for decades. But after all that gluing and sanding, it’s clear Pete’s bouzouki will want its top refinished.
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A casualty of a major συμπόσιον someone must have gotten pretty well knocked on their head with Pete’s bouzouki!īig jobs are nothing but a collection of small jobs.
BEHLEN STRINGED INSTRUMENT LACQUER REVIEW PLUS
The 12″ separation among its sfendamos side ribs plus a 6″ opening further toward the back. “ Pete, what about this big crack on top?” Pete had never noticed a clean 6″ crack through its white spruce top. He opens the case and again explains what he wants, repeating those three magic words every luthier wants to hear, “Whatever you think is best.” Doesn’t he know my favorite Oscar Wilde quote? Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes. But he never actually gives me his instrument. It needs your attention.” The strings buzz at its 8th fret and up from worn frets. Every year he says, “I’ve got to get you my bouzouki, Jim. EVERY FEBRUARY, PETE CLOSEShis tailor shop and heads to Greece.
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