Official Luthiers Forum!

The MAG-ic Probe thickness Gauge has come a long way since its inception and many have found the unique accompanying software a great tool for documenting and understanding the measurements in the scope of the complete instrument. Recently I added a Mac version to the software and also the ability to choose what values you wanted to display on the picture, meaning mils, mm and whether or not to display the units. This means there is less clutter and more room for measurements.

This weekend I will be releasing version 3 of the software with a Pre-Mapping feature and even a Hands-Free option.
Lazy luthier addition 1 - previously when taking measurements at a certain location, you have to move the mouse to that location on the picture and click to transfer the measurement to the picture at the same location. This can be a little cumbersome at times. The Pre-Mapping feature allows you to pre-plan your measurements locations and mark them on the picture with sequential numbers which the system generates, you just click away. This Map can even be printed for reference. Once the map is complete the value mapping mode allows you to make measurements at the sequential locations and just click anywhere with the mouse, the system will enter the measurement into the correct location. See the pic for an example of a pre-mapped picture.
Lazy luthier addition 2 - For extreme automation you can choose hands-free or Auto-Insertion. In this mode the system monitors the probe for stable values meaning as you move around the values are unstable but when you stop to measure the value stabilizes. After 5 seconds of stable values, the measurement will automatically be inserted at the sequential location. Actually this feature was inspired by the violin makers who often hold the instrument with 1 hand and the probe in the other, meaning the mouse button had to be clicked by unspeakable digits
Seriously, I hope the new additions will make it even easier to use MAG-ic probe and result in even more beautiful instruments.
Look out for the release on http://www.magicprobe.net

Also, if you would be so kind as to assist me by answering a few questions for future improvements and to drive future development, at http://www.magicprobe.net/product-improvement-survey/
You dont have to own a unit to respond. Your time is appreciated.

In an effort to keep anyone interested informed about up-coming developments, here is another addition that will soon be added to MAG-ic Probe.
The measurements made by the thickness gauge are already in your PC but sometimes looking at just the numbers does not provide a simple overall picture, especially when comparing.
The MAG-ic Contour software will allow you to view the data in a color contour map, this makes it easy to see, adjust and compare different pklates after sanding or even finished instruments.
I hope to launch this new software early next year.
[img]c:\magic%20contour\violin.jpg[/img]

I don't know about others here. And I have pretty good sense of humor. But why name a feature "lazy luthier"? Isn't that the total opposite of an apropos moniker for what we do here?

Think of it more as the efficient luthier.

Well, I'm sure I'd never click on that option.

Just a little humor Gents... ....We all know that that 24" Drum sander in your workshop is ONLY for table legs and home projects and that you thickness your tops and backs with a hand-plane.
All the more reason to need a thickness gauge.
Actually the real names of the features Pre-Map Mode and Auto-insertion are very energetic and efficient, according to my African Dictionary of Marketing Jargon.
Now that we have discussed a feature added 3 months ago, what do you think of the Color Graduation feature. Do you think it is useful? Do you tune your tops though thicknessing different areas before and after assembly?

Liam: Glad to see you are giving measurements in thousands of an inch and millimeters but wonder what kind of accuracy can be expected.
Tom

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A person who has never made a mistake has never made anything!!!

Hi Tom
Well there is resolution and then accuracy. The resolution is 1/1000th inch in the general luthier measuring range 0-6mm but I quote accuracy as 0.1mm (4mil) because there are other influences like friction, perpendicular probe and temperature variations that can influence the measurements.
The 0.1mm quoted has seemed to be acceptable to most users.

It's actually an interesting discussion when you talk to carved instrument makers who know that it is as much the thickness graduation trend of a top that influences the sound, as the actual thickness at any one point. Some areas are thicker than others and influenced by bracing and other structural elements. Reminds me I have a lot to learn in Lutherie.

Liam: Plus or minus .004 or plus or minus .002.........??
Tom

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A person who has never made a mistake has never made anything!!!

Welcome back Liam. I like the colour grad. concept although, as I think has been mentioned elsewhere, a palette of deep red to light yellow, would be more distinct IMO. I'm not up to speed...have you solved the issue of the probe needing to be exactly vertical from the point of contact (if that defines it correctly)?

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Dave
Milton, ON

Actually, you can adjust the color palette yourself as you can see in the pics.
You can also adjust the contour density, grid calculations etc and what to display.


The Probe measures the distance between the tip of the probe and the surface of the ball. This is only influenced by the ball not being at dead center on the probe tip. If the tip is flat on the surface then this will be the shortest distance. If you hold the probe tipped at an angle you are increasing the distance. The Probe has a HOLD button so that you can wiggle the probe at the measuring location to ensure you have the lowest reading.

I also wanted to let you guys know of a new Mini probe. Functionality is exactly the same but it is much smaller with a low center of gravity which should make it easier to handle.
let me know what you think.

The new MAG-ic Probe PRO software is now available.
You do not need to own a MAG-ic Probe tool in order to use the software, a manual entry option is added.

Is that the color-graduated interface? Its funny, as I went to your site a couple of days ago to check, to no avail. I'll head over there now and have a look!

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Mountain Song Guitars www.mountainsongguitars.com

Hi Ken
Yes the Pro version has the color Graduation.
If you want to try a demo first you can find the link in the description.
The demo will not save but will alow you to try it.
If you dont have a MAG-ic Probe, You can still enter values manually by going to the File/Settings menu and clicking the Manual Entry box.