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Does anyone know of a freeware/shareware database program for Mac that I could use to log info as I build? I'd like to keep an easily accessible record of things like weight at various stages, stiffness, etc. It'd also be nice if it could accommodate photos.

Thanks in advance

Steve

Steve, check out http://porting.openoffice.org/mac/ I have only had experience with the Windows version, but it is an open source office suite much like Windows Office Suite, that includes a Word processing program, Database, Spreadsheet, etc, etc, etc. All of which act much like Windows Office in look feel and compatibility.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

I was actually thinking about this the other day. I have Bento, an easy to use - and cheap ($49) - database software for the MAC that has some nice templates already that can be modified easily for guitar building use. It is real easy to use as well.

Glenn

Go to Google Docs and search for database templates to see what formats others have developed for their personal use. You are bound to find something close and then customize it to your needs. It's free and the software and your files are stored on their (Google's) servers making them accessible from any computer you are using at the time; also great to ensure that your files are backed-up and intact rather than run the risk of losing data to a local crash. This is true 'cloud' computing and probably the wave of the future.

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Peter

I quit OSX quite soon into my Macbook Pro owning career, but I have Bento on my iPad so I've got a feel for it. Note, of course, that I might be completely off on how the desktop version works so everything I say is in reference to the version I have.

Bento is either the perfect tool, or completely useless, depending on how you use your spreadsheets. It's sort of a virtual stack of forms so it doesn't really have any ability to process data like a more traditional spreadsheet, but the interface is very nice for recording the data. If your plan is essentially to replace having a stack of one or two page records of the basic stats of your builds then it's perfect for that. Looking at a screen shot will pretty much give you the whole idea.

If you were wanting to do a bit more complex stuff, like having auto-calculations, or there was lots of data kept on each build, then I'd use a 'full' spreadsheet program like OpenOffice or such. Not as sleek to work with, but it won't slow you down if you have a lot of data entry to do.

I use Office2HD on the iPad now, and sync it with Google docs, but my database use very quickly fell into that second category no matter how much I liked the Bento interface. Short story is that Bento is nicer to work with, if it can do everything you need it to.

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Bob Garrish
Former Canonized Purveyor of Fine CNC Luthier Services

With blogger, you can have a private blog, that won't be indexed by search engines. The text is searchable, and you can have photos in there too.

I have one with a bunch of junk on it. You'd never find it, even if you looked for it. But if I sent you the URL, you could see it. This feature might be of benefit to a builder, especially one with clients.

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"...you have to get over your strict adherence to your largely imagined notion of absolute perfection..."

Where IS that serenity prayer when I need it?

I don't think they have a mac verion, but I was looking at this the other day..........http://www.whistlingfishsoftware.com.au ... kbench.htm Looks to have some good stuff.

rats, I had a link on ebay for a software driven deal that is a luthier's journal. Could be helpful for setting up your own fields. I 'll try to locate it. SOMEONE must have also seen it a few months ago...

I use Openoffice and create my own spreadsheet. Only have to do the main fields once, then save each document as you create a new instrument. I'm currently building 2 instruments at once, so I have both on one spreadsheet. I'm no tech geek, and even I can do it!

Wouldn't a 3-ring binder do the same thing?

Pretty much drop resistant and sawdust-proof.

Just a thought.

Hi Steve

I'll put another vote in for Bento. I've been using it for a couple of
years now & wouldn't be without it.
As Bob G points out, it is not a spreadsheet program, but the desktop
version does have the ability to do some basic calculations.
The value I see in it is it's ability to act kind of like a central command centre
for lack of a better word.
From your database you can design various form pages to collect data.
For example
A page showing every detail of the guitar - material,width @ nut etc. and including pics
from all angles.
A page dedicated to bracing details only, including a labelled pic, for ex.
A page linked to all email correspondence pertinent to the particular instrument
(Bento has a data field that links directly to Mail)
A checklist page for ensuring that either you have or have ordered all components.

You can also insert fields anywhere, linked to Address Book,iCal or an IM account.
A bit of a learning curve, but once you get your head around it, it's easy.

The program has the ability to export templates for use by other Bento users.
Mine is work in progress, but I'd be happy to share it with you ( or anyone else)
should you decide to give it a try. It is a 1.3meg file, so it there is any interest
I'd have to figure out how to send it.

Cheers
Bob Hames

Hi Bob, I'd love to have a look at your template. 1.3 megs shouldn't be a problem. Could you please send it to me at stevedenvir@gmail.com.

Thanks

Steve

You guys are such nerds! And this is coming from a self proclaimed nerd!

Terry,
The link I posted was a sponsored link on ebay. Sounds like the same one you had in mind. Just trying to save you the trouble of trying to figure it out.

I would use a blog and add photographs and video - much better to see pictures and video of your progress - you can also keep a diary of your thoughts as well as those important dimensions etc etc

J

I use open office office...do it in a newletter style..adding notes on where I goofed up and how to avoid them next time...

Lots of notes!!!!!!

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MK5acoustics.com