Official Luthiers Forum!

New member here, just beginning my first build. This has been a very interesting post. Humor, passion, and snuck in there some useful information.

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Bobby Masten

Just been but, hey, I've got an opinion too (along with several other bodily orifices)

I'm with Filippo here. Been building stuff all my life too and I've seen way too many people who think because they're good at something, they have the "Right Way" all figured out. In my experience it just turns out to be one of many ways to get the job done. As far as worrying about newbies getting bad info; they just have to learn like everyone else. As long as it won't get anyone hurt then let it ride. If you think its a lousy idea, say so, then move on.

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

I doubt any of the pro's here use it at all.



...nothing to do with how many guitars you've build. In fact, I couldn't care less what you guys use. Just don't pawn it off to others. There are a few guys that used to be in the automotive finishing industry that have used more Bondo than you've laid eyes on.. I guarantee you Bondo does not reside in their shop.



Ridiculous comparison.....

Anyway, I'm just gonna take this whole thread as a big joke... thanks for contributing.

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Peter M.
Cornerstone Guitars
http://www.cornerstoneukes.com

Ya! Peter....you finaly got it.


the
Padma

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Audiences and dispensations on Thursdays ~ by appointment only.


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peterm wrote:
"Imagine if some of the world's greatest minds were mentored by people with this philosophy? We'd have a Mona Lisa with some white-out on it cause he didn't quite get the eyes right the first time 'round..."

I am a 51 year amateur and I am unable to complete a guitar with out there being flaws of some type -- usually more than I can count. I am guessing from your posts that your guitars do not suffer any such flaws that a discerning eye would find. Consequently, since all of us cannot achieve such perfection, occassionally, we have to use some "white out" to minimize the extent of our mistakes.

About 10 years ago, I was staying at the Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix which was "designed" at least in part (alot of controversey about that) by Frank Lloyd Wright. Probably considered one the greatest hotels in the USA, architecturally wise with a beutiful carved stone exterior. When I was there, they were building a new wing which I spent some time looking at.

While I was out there, I went to Taliesin West, which was FLW's residence that he designed and built. There is also an elite architectural school at Taliesin which teaches with a goal to continue FLW's theories, traditions and views. I met one of the professors there and commented that the exterior of the new wing at the Biltmore, with all of the "stone carvings" was being made, starting at the second floor, out of styrofoam with stucco applied rather than real stone. I told him I thought it was disappointing that they weren't replicating "the real deal." He told me I was dead wrong--that styrofoam had the same utility as stone, would last as long, helped provide insulation and was cheaper and easier to build with. He then said "FLW would fully approve."

Please get your facts straight and don't use my name in quote I didn't make.

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Peter M.
Cornerstone Guitars
http://www.cornerstoneukes.com

Chris, you have a lot of rules for everyone to follow. Here's what it says at the top: "Be nice, no cussin and enjoy!"

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Tom Krebs

Agreed. This is just getting a bit ridiculous...

I'm 55, balding, drive a minivan, graduated from a dinky college with no mascot and no football (or rugby, or polo) team, suck when I plug in at an open mic nite, my wife looks more like "Mrs. December" than Ms. August, wonder what it's like to get 2 whole minutes of nookie every few months, but hey, my first guitar ain't too bad...

I wonder if I can repair my life with some Bondo!

Dennis

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Dennis Leahy
Duluth, MN, USA
7th Sense Multimedia

I LOVE YOU PADMA!

Keep on keeping on!

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"After forty-nine years of violin building, I have decided that the search for a varnish is similar to the fox hunt. The fun is in the hunt."
Jack Batts Maker and Repairer of Fine Violins

I love the Padma too! Doesn't mean I want to be the Padma.
He definitely brings a fresh perspective to this scene.
Some of you other guys need to get over yourselves, IMHO!

When all of the wood and glue and fretwire are used up on the planet, The Padma will still be cranking out his instruments.

Padma, you Rock!!! And I love what you bring to this forum.

Mike Franks
http://www.mjfranksguitar.com

Tried? Tried Chris?

Tried implies defeat befor you even start.

After reading Todd Stock's Post subject: Re: The Virtues of BONDO... Sat Oct 10, 2009 5:22 pm. I finaly get whats rubbing you...your an over acheaver and although your fit n finish is to be commended, (and may the Good Lord forgive me for this statement) but "there ain't no hope in the "Nothingness of the What" that you ever gonna catch up to me in the original, innovative and creative contribution into the resurch and development of luthieriem." And thats probably whats been eating at you.

On second thought, that sound like a curse...so let me refrase that to to ... "Hopefully by the time your my age, may you be able to make a positive contribution to the original, innovative and creative resurch and development of luthieriem."

So till then, why don't you wrap up you brused ego, take a drive in you fancy sports car, flashing your trophy girlfiend around for all your Ivy leauge admires to go Ooo and Ahhh at and get over it.


To all form members...

If this seems like an attack on Mr. Verhoevenc, may I assure you all it ain't. I have not once posted a negitive put down comment to or about Mr. Verhoevenc, nor will me the Padma ever. Just ain't my style. (and dudes do me got a lot a style)



You got it Wes.

I, me, the Padma, will no longer respond to any of Chris Verhoevenc posts.

However I do wish him the best of luck and success in his studies and in his life.



blessings
the
Padma

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Audiences and dispensations on Thursdays ~ by appointment only.


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And they all lived happily ever after.

THE END


Footnote : It's a good thing we are all a little different otherwise planet Earth would be a pretty boring place to live!

Yes, me agree..terminate...pull the plug...put it out to pasture...give it a braeak...let it rest in peace.

Amen

the
Padma

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Audiences and dispensations on Thursdays ~ by appointment only.


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Seems to me to be an argument about the philosophical approach to building instruments - as with most things in life you have a full spectrum of wonderful difference. At one end you have those masters who through a fair bit of natural talent multiplied by serious study x experience and hard graft are now in a position to be able to build wonderful works of art that sound darn good and are consistent and cost $10,000+. We could all aspire to be the same, and I guess thats what Mr V is adviocating, that we should not be willing to compromise on the high ideals he has set himself. I wish him well and hope he gets there and more importantly I hope he still enjoys the journey.

However, there are far more semi and amateur builders who look at the whole thing differently. We either dont have the talent, or perhaps more pertinently, due to the hobby approach and thus the dedicated time will probably never build enough to realise the very best we can do, without starting again, and again, everytime there is slight imperfection in the fit and finish of what is a perfectly good sounding inmstrument. And thats for many the point - we are first and formost building something that will make music, good or bad, and thats no bad thing in my opinion.

Folks have been building instruments to various degrees of quality since the first caveman banged two stone together in a rhythm - and for us players, where would we have been without the cheapo that got us hooked on playing at a prioce our parents could afford in the first place? So there is room for everything.

Also seems to me that humour is somewhat lacking amongst those that have only one goal of perfection - on occasion. Why? Seems that some folk feel that having a different approach that builds using 'untried' materials and methods to build 'odd' instruments is somehow threatening the 'purist' ideals - as if Padma building one of his wonderful idiosyncratic instruments will somehow turn us all away from seeking the holy grail - whereas to me Padma is producing instruments to be played that will be cherished and strumed - and enjoying the process - so how can those ideals be criticised?

Nothing anyone advises or advocates on here is going to change our minds on how we personally approach building and our own ideas - even if we follow a tip and it dont work, we learn it does not work for us and move on - afterall if you ask the top 10 pros on here the same question, as we often see we get 10 different answers - and thats what in MHO makes these makers so good in the first place - they have their own approach and have got there based on their own experimentation and approach - and its their subtle uniqueness that means they stand out from the crowd.

Learning the very best techniques from the experienced on the ways to achieve the best finish and fit is great - if thats what is important to you. Learning to have an attitude that is all about ensuring you enjoy it, are not affraid to try new things and above all never forget that it should be fun is just as important and for me, its builders like Padma that do that - just as the pros and experienced amateurs can help you with technical advice.

Will state again ... for the record ... there is room for everyone on the spectrum, and this craft is better because of it IMHO...naturally

Before you go, where can I get a full size cut out mask?

[quote="Frank Cousins

Before you go, where can I get a full size cut out mask? [/quote]


Yo, Frank,

Well yesterday they were availble in a thread I had posted in the "Everything Non Luthier" subforum entitled "Thnks Dudes" But this morning the entire post seems to have fallen off the truck...dissapeared...maybe even deleated???

Perhaps one of the moderators or administers can tell us what happened?



blessings
the
Padma

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Audiences and dispensations on Thursdays ~ by appointment only.


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Ok...really simple solution, in my simple and slightly warped mind.

First....Enough already!!! Have a drink, do some yoga...something, but let it go for a while!

Next, lets start a new, original thread devoted to the standards, morals, etc of the art/profession. Folks can wax poetic about methods, styles and personal beefs with builders to their heart's content there, and leave the rest of this forum to those of us that want to learn, experiment and try new things. Maybe even start a section devoted to 'experimental methods, tools and techniques' so no one feels they are being 'forced' to look upon 'inferior ideas'.

Yes...philosophy and such is important......but not exclusively the most important.

And the final recommendation is....ENOUGH! Have a drink, do some yoga...something, but let it go for a while!

We have covered some dynamite topics here...most of which have NOTHING to do with using bondo to hold down a difficult piece. I think it is time to let it go, or move it somewhere else.

Just my 2 cents worth.

-Matthew

As a new builder all I have to say is.....WOW. I am glad I did not encounter these elitist attitudes (you know who you are) when I first started this journey as I may have missed out on something that I now truly love.

"E"

PS the "Mona Lisa" is widely believed to be an unfinished work and study of it has shown that da Vinci made numerous corrections/changes to it during the more than four years it took him to paint, yet still more than 6 million people a year feel the need to come look at it. The Point being it is riddled with mistakes yet loved and reveared. Thank God certain attitudes did not detur da Vinci anymore than it appears they will the Padma!

THATS IT !! Im ordering Bondo Today !!!!!!

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The Shallower the depth of the stream , The Louder the Babble !
The Taking Of Offense Is the Life Course Of The Stupid One !
Wanna Leave a Better Planet for our Kids? How about Working on BETTER KIDS for our Planet !
Forgiveness is the ability to accept an apology that you will probably NEVER GET
The truth will set you free , But FIRST, it will probably Piss you Off !
Creativity is allowing yourself to make Mistakes, Art is knowing which ones to Keep !
The Saddest thing anyone can do , is push a Loyal Person to the point that they Dont Care Anymore
Never met a STRONG person who had an EASY past !
http://wiksnwudwerks.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/groups/GatewayA ... rAssembly/

Let me begin by saying that I am new to this forum but I am intimately familiar with Padma's work. The Padma is a talented artist with that rare ability to fashion something entirely new without using his brain at all.
His rare skills, rather, are channeled from wherever in the universe true art comes from and those of us without that conduit may be offended that we too are not blessed with that portal to the goodies.
He's also got a great sense of humor, which is a slap in the face to those of us who do not.

So for those of us not so blessed as the Padma I offer my sincere condolences for your misery and hope that you find some peace somehow somewhere.

TT

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Yo, DUDES, ya gotts to check this out




Although Bondo was created for cosmetic repair of dents in cars, the
fact that it’s easily malleable and dries rock hard makes it perfect for
custom case mods, rock climbing, cement repair, LED Guitar Hero
buttons, and much, much more. Learn it all!



For the Bondo Basics: Everything You Need to Know go here...

http://hacknmod.com/hack/the-power-of-bondo-a-comprehensive-tutorial/


blessings
the
Padma

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Audiences and dispensations on Thursdays ~ by appointment only.


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Just stop reading the thread.



OK - I found a video of Padma in his younger days.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55N2BM_yFLs&feature=player_embedded

Oh, Todd! I'm so disillusioned!

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars