Tasmanian Paddock Blackwood!

As part of our "Special Feature Interviews"

on the New DVD..."A Master Class In Acoustic Guitar Making"

I decided to take the film crew to Tasmania!

First stop was to interview Chris Searle of Cockatoo Timbers, Stanley Tasmania.

Chris has been in the timber business for more than 30 years. He and his wife Frances know blackwood inside out... He deals mainly in Paddock Blackwood, Myrtles and Sassafrass!

Chris collects naturally felled paddock blackwood and some select timbers.

So what is Paddock Blackwood?

Blackwood that naturally grows in a paddock rather than a Forest. They tend to be wider in breadth as they do not struggle against forest canopy to reach the abundant light.

Forest Blackwood is skinner as it is pushing against the forest canopy to get to the light.

It takes 100-150 years for Blackwood to reach its Maturity.

Where as Plantation timbers can take up to 80 years to mature.

Old growth trees such as Myrtle, Huon & King Billy Can be found to be hundreds of years old if not thousands of yeas old (i.e. Huon pine). Mostly protected!

A great asset to the Instrument making industry is having people like Chris Searle around to be able to source the best timbers in the world!

The pictures above are mainly of Paddock Blackwood.

The one picture of me touching the tree is at "Dismal Swamp" NW Tassie. The only Blackwood sink hole in the world. It is a Forest Blackwood. (Tall and Skinny)

http://www.dismalswamp.com.au/ Check out the website for more SPECIFIC info.

The Swamp is a beautiful peaceful area. Sassafrass, Blackwood and Myrtle all naturally grow beside each other... Who could ever say that nature gets it wrong... Mother Nature must have been a Luthier!

Did you know Blackwood is a Wattle? It has long thin leaves, Sassafrass has jagged pointy leaves and Myrtle has tiny round leaves.

These timbers are all used in Guitar Making for the Back and Sides.

So the DVD Interview with Chris & Chris?

Chris Searle had a lot of great information on timbers, latest grafting technology that he is testing with some locals, more about quartersawn timber and lots lots more!....

Sorry can't tell you about it here - You are just going to have to wait for the DVD set to come out. :)

Stay tuned here comes Sassy and Myrtle.......

Tasmanian Tiger Myrtle!

Chris Searle had the Tiger Myrtle ready to go into the drying shed.


Chris also supplies Tim Spittle at: http://www.australiantonewoods.com/ in WA with Tiger Myrtle and other Aussie timbers.

We are so very lucky in this country to have such great resources and folk who care about providing excellent timbers.

Remember when you are searching for timbers ask these few simple questions first.

1. Does the supplier provide proper quarter sawn timber... does he understand your requirements as a budding luthier?

2. How long has it been dried for... sometimes because of demand suppliers supply earlier than recommended drying time, so when you receive your timber always lay it down flat just to be sure it won't twist in case it is not completely dried... (could be hard to see as a novice)

3. Shop around for a good price... not always the cheapest price... ask other experienced timber buyers for advice.. i.e me or go on line and check out some of the forums.

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/

This Australian forum has stood the test of time - Check it Out!

It is a wood working forum so not just musical instruments... they have loads of info on How To's and what can go wrong... equipment info, techniques and of course opinions!

Some of our students have even posted their guitar making exploits!

Also be sure to search the Internet for your research into Timber and Timber Suppliers.

We have provided a few on the top right hand side of the blog.


(I will only post the suppliers we recommend!)

Blackheart Sassafras!

Striking Blackheart!


This could eventually be hand crafted into an exquisite Guitar or A Piece of Fine Furniture!

Andrew Morrow an Ex- Student and CSIRO Wood Scientist was also interviewed in the new DVD.

He gives his explanation as to the dark heart or the staining in the timber. Some think it is a growth, mould or even just a water stain... often when the tree becomes old they open up and water can be held in the top cavity, also limbs fall off and damp staining can occur.

Andrew explains that it is a fungus and it is from water staining that comes from the top of the tree.

As apposed to the Tiger Myrtle the black fleck in the timber is also a fungus but actualy comes up from the bottom of the tree - even at a young sapling age!

There are many opinions about ancient trees and still the debate will continue for many years!

Thankyou Cockatoo Timbers!

Thankyou Chris, Frances & Curley The Dog!

I hand selected some Stunning Blackwood

for Backs & Sides....

Hopefully It Will End Up In Your Guitar!

Chris Searle

Tasmanian Tonewoods (New Name)

Stanley, Tasmania

E-mail: tasmanian.tonewoods@hotmail.com (New e-mail address)

(03) 6458 1108 PH

(03) 6458 1337 Fax

Luthiers Trade Secrets Revealed!!

Now I have your attention....


For those of you that are chipping away in your workshops and like to keep up to date with the latest in Luthier info, the why's, how's and where's of the industry I suggest you get the monthly newsletter from Stewart MacDonald (USA)

They have all the latest gear and info. Just jump on their website and sign-up!

http://www.stewmac.com/

Stewart MacDonald have shown a keen interest in our NEW DVD and will be previewing it this year and hopefully giving us the green light to distribute through them.


Also NEW to Australia is Australian Luthier Suppliers... the guys in QLD have been very supportive of us and supplied all the set up gear for the guitar on the DVD... they too are keen to check it out later this year...

http://www.luthierssupplies.com.au/

I am sure, Bruno, Dane, Kim, Sean and the Gang can help you out!

DVD Filming Update! (The Final Week)

Well Here She Is.....

Bunya Baby!

2 1/2 weeks of filming and the Guitar looks sensational!

Sounds bright with sweet tones. Very rounded sound.

We had Jack Spira - Luthier http://www.jackspiraguitars.com/ come in for an interview with Dog: "Treacle". He is a fine maker and the sheoak he used for the bouzouki was stunning!

Looks like the DVD may be longer than we first thought. Possibly up to 4-5 hrs depending again on editing.... but I think you will love it... an asset to any Budding Luther's workshop.

We head off to Tassie Monday to film in a Blackwood Forest and interview a timber supplier.

Then I am off for a long well deserved trip to UK and Italy... I leave 4th Sep and return in time for the next 2 week intensive in Oct.

Remember to click on all the pics in the BLOG to enlarge them!

See you when I get back with lots of pictures of Italy and the 400 year old villa we will be working in - May 2008!....

Humidity Tip!

Are you are making a guitar at home or in a workshop?

Have you a hand crafted guitar?

Do you realize that the most important thing to remember is your relative HUMIDITY level!

Fluctuations of up to 20 will cause splits, twisting and imbalances of moisture levels in your timber.

You can buy a lab quality thermometer. Choose one with an accuracy of +/- 5% or better.

You can also buy guitar case humidifiers.

Please keep an eye on your humidity levels when:

Travelling with you guitar, (plane, car, bus storage area, interstate transport of any sort) at home when crafting your guitar, always note the temperature from point A to point B.

NEVER Leave your guitar in a car - Get to your destination and get your hand crafted guitar out of the car. (you should always have your guitar in a solid body case to help stabilize the temperature and protect your guitar anyway)

A car can heat up in minutes with out air conditioning.

To prevent such damage: provide a stable environment for your guitar.

If in a workshop have a heater or cooler in your workshop, leave water in the workshop (if relevant) leave doors open or closed to keep your relative humidity at 50!

Keep in mind that the above are only guidelines; some guitars are more sensitive than others. (Manufactured vs Hand Crafted)...Older instruments may already have compromised necks and glue joints from past exposures and time, thus making them more vulnerable to damage.

Acceptable relative humidity levels for your guitar are around 40% - 60%. Relative humidity is the amount of moisture the air can hold at a given temperature.

Rapid temperature changes (20ºF or more per hour) should be avoided.

Before introducing your guitar to any drastic environmental change, leave it in its case and allow time for temperatures to equalize. Even then, open the case only a crack and let the air come into contact with the instrument gradually before taking it out for play.

Low humidity is more damaging than high humidity. Especially at low humidity then, keep your guitar in its case when you aren't playing. It is much easier to maintain humidity in your case than the whole house. There are various humidifiers available, and I encourage you to do your research before picking any one.

Hope this helps!

DVD Filming Update!

1st Week on Set...

I Need More Tim Tams!

For those of you who have completed the Guitar Making course with me, will know that 60hrs of guitar making can seem quite short! An amazingly short time to make such a beautiful instrument..... well!

We are one week into our project of making an all Aussie timber Acoustic guitar!

The body is complete.... highly coloured and contoured Bunya Pine soundboard, outstanding Fiddle back Blackwood back and sides, Jarrah bindings! (competing side bindings monday)

The rosette is Pauya Shell (oyster shell NZ) with a traditional simple rosette either side of it to highlight the shell.

The neck is Queensland Maple with a Blackwood veneer in the headstock.

Fret board & Bridge will be Gidgi.

I will set up with Gold coloured machine heads.

It will be a very visually vibrant looking guitar. The fiddle back I selected is stunning.

The soundboard taps quite well with a big bass..... we will be oiling next fri,sat,sun and ready to play by the Monday....

We are over time.... so we have still filming Monday 20th August (Note: Workshop closed)

The DVD will have some special features:

Interview with: Luthier Jack Spira - Sting has 4 of his guitars.

Interview with: CSIRO Scientist - Andrew Morrow - Detailed info on composition of Australian timber and the advantages of using this timber in guitar making.

Interview with: Tassie Timber Supplier - to be announced! From the roots up - specialising in blackwood and the selection process of timber.

Live performance:

Featuring the Bunya Pine Acoustic Guitar.

I will be playing in the Great Hall with two other Musicians!

If all goes to plan we should have the DVD for release Christmas 2007!

Set Drama: (Just for the fun of it)

1 x cut finger

Several noisy peacocks stomping on workshop roof

2 x Light bulbs blown

Forgot to glue on veneer on headstock (Take 2)

Forgot to clamp neck block when glued (Take 2)

Forgot the Tim Tams (Not happy)

Lights too hot (Need more chocolate)

Fiona was that take ok.... oops she has fallen asleep again!

Set Crew:

Cameraman - Roger

Producer - Julianne

Gaffer Girl & general go get it chick - Fiona

Star - Brad Pit.... oops Chris Pitt no, no Chris Wynne!

(Where is my trailer anyway!!!... star leaves set left to sulk!)

King Billy

I would like to thank you Chris for an inspirational two weeks at Montsalvat.

I have named my guitar "King Billy" because it sounds, feels and looks better than any other.

My guitar is a Dreadnaught with Blackwood back and sides, QLD Maple Neck, Gidgie Fret Board & King William (Billy ) Pine top, Rosewood for the binding- all Australian Timbers.

Once Chris had shown me how to use the various tools and machines, it was easy. I have been playing guitar for over 30 years and I have a collection of at least ten (the last time I counted!)

The sound is warm and resonant with a huge dynamic range.

My family and friends are astounded that I could have built such a beautiful thing - at all, let alone in two weeks.

I can see that building guitars is going to become a lifelong passion of mine.

I have already started looking around for tools.

See you in Italy!

Allan Lloyd - Student June 2007

It Puts My Martin To Shame!

Howdy Chris sorry about the some what sparse communication about the BEAUTIFUL guitar I built under your expert tutelage.

My Guitar gets better every time I pick it up, it rings like a bell and puts my Martin Guitar to shame!

I love playing it for its responsiveness and its incredible depth of tone the whole experience has been immensely satisfying.

Not to mention all the compliments I have recieved regarding the sheer magnificence of the timbers and just the overall effect it has.

Thankyou, Truly A Wonderful Thing To Enjoy And Play For Many Years!

Cheers, Martin - Student 2006

Flamenco With Spruce Soundboard

My first reaction to the idea of being taught how to make my own guitar was:

"Wow,could I really do it"?

Once I had booked for the two week intensive course at ThomasLloyd I began to have reservations. Did I have the ability or personal skill to be able to produce an instrument of quality compared to the price of the course?

Well, once I had completed my guitar I can truthfully say that I have made a guitar of three times the value of the cost!

Being a working professional Flamenco/Classical guitarist I felt it was time to purchase a new guitar!

However the guitars on the market were horrifically priced for very little inspirational sound and feel from the instruments. It wasn't until I sampled the $10,000 guitars that I started to feel I was getting something worth owning, however the price tag brought feelings of hopelessness that I would never own such a nice guitar.

So I thought "What have I got to lose, if I can make a guitar in my price range, the worst Icould do was make one as bad as in the shops and boutiques"!

So I went ahead with the course. Firtly let me say I am no skilled woodworker or craftsman. Before the course I couldn't even cut a straight bit of wood!

I had however attempted to make guitars before. My first when I was seven, out of scraps and offcuts, nails for the bridge and pegs, rubberbands for the strings. My next attempt was an electric guitar at theage of 18. I won't even go there with you! Needless to say I was nervous about failing again.

The moment I walked into Monsalvat I knew I had made the right decision!

What better place to make the guitar of your dreams - a Tuscan villa perhaps???

Chris was easy going, as long as he had his Tim Tam drip installed!

We chatted for half an hour, he showed me around and then introduced me to the pile of wood that would soon produce beautiful music.

I tell you truthfully, as soon as Chris got me started my nerves left me. Chris showed me and taught me techniques that transcended most manual skills I have come across.

My excitement throughout the whole process was such that Chris had to double his chocolate in take just to keep up with me!

It was certainly the most edifying thing I had ever done!

The feel and smell of the exotic timber, the learned skill of handling quality tools, things you just can't begin to imagine by reading a blog.

After two exhilarating weeks, my instrument was finally complete!

I strung it up, tuned it, and played....

I remember stopping half way through the piece. Both Chris and I were astounded.

"Is it supposed to sound this good yet"? I asked Chris.

He had indicated that spruce tops will get better with age, and whilst the instrument would sound good on the first play it would be no where near it's potential.

Both Chris and I agreed that if this was the initial sound, and wondered how great it will be once it has reached its full voice!

I used Spruce for the top, spanish Cypress back and sides, and Spanish Cedar for the Neck. Ebony fretboard and bridge. Indian Rosewood for bindings, Curly Maple and Cocobolo Rosewood for the headstock.... pics coming soon to this blog!

Well 5 months later.....

The guitar, which I named after my daughter Sienna, has voiced itself beautifully, 10 times better than the first strum, and it still has years to reach its full potential.

I'm very excited at this prospect. Not only have I made my own guitar, but I was able to avoid a $10,000-$15,000 price tag for an instrument that will have greater value to me than any guitar that I could buy.

As a result of the course at Thomas Lloyd Guitars I have now purchased the tools required to start making them myself. Chris' teaching and methods have made me confident to tackle any woodworking job I can imagine. Very shortly I will be purchasing a kit from Chris to start on my second guitar that will be named after Sienna's twin sister Ella.

If you haven't gathered from reading this that you MUST do this course, or maybe you should just buy a guitar!

But I tell you this, you will be dissapointed in your purchase, and you will forever be thinking:

"What would a guitar that I make from a pile of wood,

really sound like"?

Don't hesitate, just do it you will not regret it!

A big thanks to Chris and the gang at Thomas Lloyd Guitars and the other students who labored with me to make this one of the greatest experiences I have ever had.

Truly A Lifelong Dream Come True!

Darryl Wood - Student March 2007.

Thankyou For My New Skills!

Ya- know I did the course with Chris a few years ago now, amongst the cow manure and tall tree's, Great place up on the farm.

Then he moved to the big smoke in Eltham, after we had tried to keep him a secret in the home town it got out.

I always meant to go back and learn more but time took over. I haven't stopped making guitars and through Chris's innovative workshop I followed in his footsteps a bit.

That is if you need something , just make it. Try anything once it may work. Be precise in you workmanship cos close enough is not good enough. By trying and thinking about what he taught me, going back through my notes and photo's I now make a passable guitar. Mind you I have stuffed a few up on the way!

Had to pull them apart and start again. It is different when you haven't got the Master there to tell you what to do next and check your measurements.

Thanks for everything Chris. Pat Formston - Student 2003

Our 2007 Evolvement and Beyond!

This year has been very fast paced!

Thankyou to all the students who have taken the plunge and faced the new brave frontier of guitar making.

I have listened to your comments and feedback.

New Focus for our Future:

A New Website is currently being developed, with Audio, Video, Digital Pics, Special Student / Members Area, Special deals and NEW Product lines that can be purchased on-line. Due to be online by Oct 2007! (Finally)

We have a stand again at the "Working with Wood Show Melbourne"

October 12th - 14th 2007 (Fri,Sat,Sun)

http://www.workingwithwood.com.au/melbourne/index.htm

We will be developing links to other retailers and Industry members web sites to get you the latest ideas, deals and opportunities to learn more in the field of guitar making.

Great News!!!

We will be running International Courses next year in Italy. Hopefully twice a year.

(May and Sep) This will be open to 8 lucky students who wish to embark on a journey of a Lifetime!

School terms will run as per the normal Victorian school calendar, but probably from Thurs to Sundays as demand for Custom Built guitars is growing and I need time to focus in this area. (and get some time off to myself)

New products on line - We will have our World First, 100% Austalian DVD out soon

"How to Hand Craft an Acoustic Guitar Using Australian Timbers" (available by Dec 2007)

Other product ideas are - "How to string up and maintain your Guitar"(2007?), "How to Make a Classical Guitar"(2008), and other timber, acoustic/sound & tech products on guitar making in the pipeline.

I would love your feedback on any ideas that I may be able to help you or others with in the field of guitar making. Is there anything you would love to see, hear about or know from me?

Please understand that my time is limited and I will endeavour to do my best to enlighten you. The internet has a wealth of free, fabulous information - Please use it.

I look forward to continuing to share my passion of guitar building and music with you over the years!

P.S: ABC 7.30 Report viewed a Stunning report on the use of King Billy Pine in guitar making -featuring yours truly and some other well know faces :)

http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2006/s1820643.htm for the transcript of the interviews.

We will add the FULL version of Vidoe onto the website soon!

Imagine Hand Crafting Your Guitar in Italy

Umbria, Italy

Want to Come To Italy?

Imagine custom building your own Guitar in a Italy. Imagine a Villa that sleeps 14, self contained, with studio's to work in, village & market just a 5 minute walk, all nestled in the hills of Umbria, Italy.

Rome is 2 hrs to the South, and Florence is 2 hrs to the North & Pisa to the left, Mount Assisi just below and a villa that is hundreds of years old - If only the walls could speak!

Can you feel how wonderful it would be to custom build your own guitar in Australian Timbers in this environment?

Well it is on the drawing board... I am off this September 2007 to organize it all.

May 2008 will be the first classes held in a format of 2 x 2 week intensives (if you call working in Italy Intense!)

We will take 4 people only per class (just like here in 2 week intensives).

It even has room for your partner if they choose not to enroll in the class.

(cost to be determined for partners)

Estimated Course Costs:

Includes return airfare, accom (1 x double bed), all of the course requirements

$6,900.... that's a steal in any language.... especially when the course here is $3250.

This Price is a One Time Only OFFER for May 2008.... the price will change for September 2008.

The above pictures are not the actuall villa , but are pictures of the area of Umbria, Italy. We are yet to obtain the villa pictures for publishing... the villa is a working villa; throughout the year it houses artists from all over the world.

Painters, Potters and now Budding Luthier's....

Book Now for our "Waiting List" HURRY!!!! (We have to have numbers by Sep 2007)

8 places only!

Please email us your interest chris@thomaslloydguitars.com

or call me direct on (03) 9431 2490 or 0403 910 880

Stay Tuned for more details soon....

An Australian First for Thomas Lloyd Guitars!

Very Exciting News!

We have embarked on a Project that is an "Australian First!"

In just under 3 weeks time I will be professionally filming an informational DVD on "How to Hand Craft An Acoustic Guitar Using Australian Timbers"

This is pioneering at its best, as the USA have attempted this in their own style, we are planning on giving it our all and revealing those inside secrets that others are too scared to reveal!

No one else has ever recorded information on Australian Timbers and Guitar Making before!

Our DVD project will be focused on the whole process of making a guitar from solid timbers (just as you do in the courses with me)... it will leave no stone unturned in what can go wrong, how to fix it, what, why and how to select timbers properly, tools and other accessories.

The Guitar will be a hand oiled acoustic guitar, dressed in Beautiful Exotic Australian Timbers.

There will be interviews with industry Luthier's, timber suppliers and students, all in relation to Guitar Making and Australian Timbers.

The DVD Set may be a 3-4 disc set (yet to be decided - due to editing etc) and will be available for sale in December 2007.... Just in time for Christmas!

Price point not yet determined.

We will keep you posted on the progress on the Project.

School of Guitar Making - Update

2007 Guitar Making Courses are Booked out!

Summer School is Now Open for Enrolment Jan 2008.
Just $3,250

The Students have displayed an incredible range of artistic endeavor this year 2007. Designing and Creating their own headstock has become one of the true focal points of the course.

Timber choice if paramount and most students use our Australian Timbers, with a mix of the exotic qualities of timber to add to the Unique designs of a Custom Built Guitar.

The Martin 000 Shape has been a big request this year, followed by the smaller bodied guitars in the Classical and Finger picking style.

We had one flamenco fly out the door with an incredible testimonial.

Student Profile & Quote by Darryl Wood:

"I knew I would come away with a guitar, but wasn't too sure of the quality as my woodworking skills were limited"

"Thomas Lloyd Guitars far surpassed my expectations. Not only have I made a World Class Instrument, but the teaching technique Chris employs made it such a delight as the skills I have learned has left me edified and filled with confidence in my own ability to make a guitar"

"My most rewarding experience was perfectly tailoring my neck shape. I have played $20,000 Flamenco Guitars and yet none of them have felt like "home" like this guitar"

"On the first strum I expected worse! It had already started to speak to me. Within 1/2 hour I could truthfully say it was the BEST flamenco guitar I had ever played"

The note separation, the projection WOW! I got the same tears in my eyes & the same tingles as when I witnessed my girl being born"

"Montsalvat" is ultimately the most comfortable, not to mention inspirational working environments to handcraft the greatest thing you can ever make with your hands - A Guitar!"

"Don't Leave Montsalvat!" Darryl Wood - March 2007

P.S. Pics in this blog: Ian Mulgrew, Mark Turner, Lolipop Guitar & Timber Samples board in workshop. (Flamenco pic not yet available)

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Enjoy!