Official Luthiers Forum!

Here are some pics of a few of the projects that my good friend Mike Collins has on the go these days. I'll let Mike chime in and explain what they are exactly so I dont mess things up too much but, believe me these pix do not do them justice! I am very fortunate to have Three of Mikes works of art in my stable of guitars. All with world class tone,response and workmanship!! Thanks, Mike!!
remember these are thumbnails so dont forget...clik on the pic!!

















man...I cant wait to hear these beauties!!

Larry

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Drinkin' up the future, livin' down the past.

Looks like Mike's been a busy feller!!!

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Bill Hodge


One does not simply, own enough guitars!

Thanks LCH!
The top pic is a Sinker redwood with Ebony B & S.
The rose is redwood burl as is the center back stripe.
The H.S. veneer is Redwood burl with a Ebony wedge.
This is a Hauser inspired design -the bracing is Hauser-Torres-
The neck is Mahogany-as Hauser used.
This baby taps out great !
Mike

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Mike Collins

The second one is Salvaged Cedar with Hormigo B.& S.
It had 5 sound ports-pics to follow!
A raised f.b. and a 640mm scale.
The head is a Bouchet -style-with 13mm slots.
As is the previous Hauser styler guitar!
These heads are the clients orders.
Hormigo is great to work with !
Thanks Bob the Zootman !!!!
Mike

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Mike Collins

The little one is Quilted Maple over 35 years old!
It's a Lacote 1835 replica!
So old Euro top you can NOT count the rings without a magnifier!
It will have "pegheds"-planetery tuners-there is no need for wood tuners !
Unless your restoring !
Thanks for looking!

Mike

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Mike Collins

One other thing-
NONE of these guitars are finished!
But will be soon-so the woods look a bit dull in these pics.
Mc

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Mike Collins

Lovely work!

but....

now....when I think about automatic sprinklers I'll get anxiety attacks.

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I read Emerson on the can. A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds...true...but a consistent reading of Emerson has its uses nevertheless.

StuMusic

Wunderbar Mike. Ausgezeichnet!!!

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Bill Hodge


One does not simply, own enough guitars!

I love the little guy.
Terry

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It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

No sprinklers here!
The little guy plans are available online.
I'll get the url & send it to you Terence.It's in my shop
The little guitars sound great with just some simple modern
strings,tuners,and bracing!

Thanks for looking
Mike

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Mike Collins

Thanks Mike
Terry

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It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

Those are real Beauts.I`m thinking my grandaughter would really like one of those little geetars.
James

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James W Bolan
Nashville Tennessee

Great stuff Mike...I love your adventurous use of woods!

Steve

P.S.--perhaps some rosette closeups?

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Steve I'll get some rose pics when they're finished.

The site for those who want to make some 19 Century guitars is
www.crane.gr.jp

It's Japanese site -the plans can be downloaded and have metric measurements.

Thanks guys!
Mike

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Mike Collins

Mike:

Nice job on all the guitars. Your sinker top looks great and should sound good. I am thinking I left the top too thick on my guitar but we will see. I did use the M. Rodriguez bracing so there is less of it than with your 7 fan Hauser/Torres bracing. Whether my thicker top/less bracing is equivalent to your thinner top and more bracing I do not have enough experience to even guess.

In my shop is the first steel string attempt. Martin 1 size with Cocobolo b/s and 3 piece back - it was only a 5"wide board. Engelmann top. It is a test so the finish will be quick and dirty. I am not sure yet whether Tru-oil or waterbase lacquer or maybe just a quick FP job.

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GEO
perpetual beginner

Tru-oil or waterbase lacquer or maybe just a quick FP job.
Geo. go with a shellac 1st coat & then H2o finish.
Mc
Thanks for the compliment!
Mc

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Mike Collins

Hi Mike

Beautiful guitars!
I like the sound port design of the Hauser style guitar.

Did you use the Hauser plantilla for it?
The upper bout looks abit too rounded.

Sen

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Sen CL Goh
http://senguitar.blogspot.com

No I did not use the Hauser plantilla.
I do not like the look of the flat neck joint and the flat bottom.

Notice the Bouchet head stock?
Mike

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Mike Collins

Here are a few more pics a little closer up!!
dont forget to click on em! Plus, Mike is the only maker I know who uses Blue fingerboards at no extra charge!

























Enjoy!!!

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Drinkin' up the future, livin' down the past.

I got some PMs asking for a close up of the roses.
Here's some close ups of all my mistakes!
There is only one coat of shellac & dust on the guitars in the photos!

Thanks LCH !

Mike

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Mike Collins

Good stuff Mike!
I especially like the 3rd rosette down. Looks like a burl of some sort?
Thanks,

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Steve that ones desert ironwood!
You have a source for that where you live?

Mike

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Mike Collins

I used to....
But remember, we're on the eastern side of the state.
Those scruffy desert species grow much further west.
(Though if our drought continues, might as well try planting a few of those....)

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

LCH has loaded some closeups of the pics he sent last week.
Now you really can see my mistakes !

Mike

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Mike Collins

I dont know,Mike...I saw these up close in person I did not see any mistakes!!

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Drinkin' up the future, livin' down the past.