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Expat Luthier in the Philippines
Philippines
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 16 ม.ค. 2017
I'm an amateur guitar maker, retiring in the Philippines. My focus is on traditional lutherie, exclusively using hand tools. I'll be learning and demonstrating traditional techniques, vintage tools, Philippines guitar making, and a woodworking life in the Philippines. Join in for the fun!
วีดีโอ
What to look for in a Used Guitar
มุมมอง 313ปีที่แล้ว
Whether electric or acoustic purchasing a used guitar is a gamble. A few things to look for.
Anthology Gear Strap
มุมมอง 338ปีที่แล้ว
Brief review of two Anthology Gear Straps. www.anthologygearwear.com
Alama Guitar
มุมมอง 8K2 ปีที่แล้ว
My new 00 sized Alama Guitar. Top: Gemalina. Back/side: Acacia. Neck: Philippines Mahogany. Fingerboard/Bridge/ Binding/ Veneers: Coconut shell. See more on Alama Guitars at: alamaguitars Video of this guitar being played: fb.watch/cEjMg4kFiX/
Pure Nickel String Reviews Part 2
มุมมอง 4242 ปีที่แล้ว
Part 2 of my review of 6 Pure Nickel, round core strings. Part 1 can be seen here: th-cam.com/video/2vO5ZclzhA8/w-d-xo.html
Pure Nickel String Reviews Part 1
มุมมอง 1.1K3 ปีที่แล้ว
A comparison of 6 pure nickel/round core strings: DR Pure Blues, GHS Nickel Rockers, Pyramid Nickel Classics, Curt Mangan Pure Nickel, Stringjoy Broadways, TI Blues Sliders. Curt Mangan Video on Installing Round Core Strings: th-cam.com/video/B1uyWEPPxEY/w-d-xo.html
Why You Hate or Love your Guitar Neck
มุมมอง 2693 ปีที่แล้ว
The factors that determine the ergonomics of your guitar neck.
Bridge City HP9 Dual Angle Block Plane v2 vs v1
มุมมอง 6K3 ปีที่แล้ว
This video compares the HP-9 Dual Angle Block Plane with it's updated version, the HP - 9 v. 2.
Converting a Bass to Fretless
มุมมอง 4484 ปีที่แล้ว
I took a Chinese made acoustic bass, removed the frets, converting it to fretless. Watch how I did it.
Your Chinese Guitar
มุมมอง 6564 ปีที่แล้ว
There is an entire generation of inexpensive, electric and acoustic Chinese-made guitars. Here's what I think.
Noisy Guitars
มุมมอง 1384 ปีที่แล้ว
Various types of ugly noises that come out of your electric guitar and bass and what can be done.
Is it safe to bring my guitar to the Philippines?
มุมมอง 6015 ปีที่แล้ว
Is it safe to bring my guitar to the Philippines?
Fixing the Bridge City Toolworks CT-6 Hand Drill
มุมมอง 4695 ปีที่แล้ว
Fixing the Bridge City Toolworks CT-6 Hand Drill
Bridge City CT 14 Foxtail Shoulder Plane
มุมมอง 1.7K5 ปีที่แล้ว
Bridge City CT 14 Foxtail Shoulder Plane
Bridge CIty Toolsworks Japanese Saws - Old and New
มุมมอง 6005 ปีที่แล้ว
Bridge CIty Toolsworks Japanese Saws - Old and New
Sterling Plane Hammer and Adjusting Wooden Planes
มุมมอง 6555 ปีที่แล้ว
Sterling Plane Hammer and Adjusting Wooden Planes
Hi there, may I know how long did it took to build this guitar back then? Thank you!
People use machines more now because modern laquers are so hard, you will be there all day
How many grams of shellac do I need to buy to make a 2 pound cut
What size are the threads on the wing nuts on the fret saw ? I bought one but it only had 1 wing nut and I can't find another one.
The bayonet seems to be tapered?
Thank you for sharing. I am exactly at this point with my French polishing. However, I’m getting a milky streaky looking finish. I recently tried swapping out the rubber as you suggested. But as this is getting worse I’m wondering if I can over do the spiriting step. I will try to use more force on the polishing action, but I’m wondering if I need to reintroduce oil to get the gloss to return. Thanks again. Sean
You are legit❤
That is impressive
Love the story about the machine, haha, and I'm a mech engr. So often people try to automate something for $, often with minimal experience and recognition of all the variables, ultimately making fools of ourselves. It's a great thing when craftsmanship remains superior
Thank you for this incredible series
Glad you are enjoying it!
I have doubts it will checked over time because its segmented and in fact coconut shell is literally oily.
I have doubts it will checked over time because its segmented and in fact coconut shell is literally oily.
I'm trying to understand your point. Do you mean you think it will come apart? Are you familiar with how they segment it?
@@expatluthierinthephilippin6441 yes because the board is just like a puzzle they put it in piece by piece, im wondering how it will holds over time..
I just bought a GB30 and was wondering what the strings were. So thank you for the good advice. I'm not a heavy player so I guess they will last a while.
I have been so lucky to found your video. I love the steel strings and think the 10 gauge sounds more stable. But I also have joint pains and am afraid steel will waste my frets. So I am looking for 9 gauge round core pure nickels. Thank you sooo much !
In the perfect world a heavier gauge string sounds better. But in my experience it is only a little bit better and the improvement in playability and feel of lighter gauge feel outweighs that IMO. In fact recently I experimenting with an 8-38 round core Curt Mangan set on my Tele and love them. Easy to play and bend and the tonal differences are small.
Speaking of Cheap Assed Bridge City Tools, I bought an HG-4 Honing guide a year and a half ago and had the brass guide wheel lock up on me after the 4th use creating a flat spot on the wheel. Reached out to support and they were good about owning up to bad machining and sent me a new wheel no charge. After replacing the wheel and another 8-9 uses, now into 1-1/2yr purchase , guide wheel locks up again and another flat spot ! I reached for my 25yr old Lee Valley Veritas $40 guide, that has NEVER had the wheel lock up, to finish the job. I reached out to Bridge City Tools and they offered I send them $45 for parts so I can use my HG-4. I used that $45, went to Lee Valley Tools and bought a newer version honing guide...after a LOT of use, happy to report is works perfect with no wheel locking up. I'll never fall into the " Hype " of Bridge City Tools again.
Coincidentally I have the HG-4 and many many years ago had the Veritas honing guide which was OK. I haven't had the lock up problem you describe but the brass roller is a bit worn. The HG-4 has some clever features that I like but it can still be a PITA to use. Any way I look at it honing is a challenge and not a lot of fun. Which reminds me - it's time to hone :(
Congrats you own a alama guitars
Thanks a lot! Very informative video!
Glad it was helpful!
why cant we hear it?
I do play it a little bit at about 11:00 but this was not a playing video but a quick overview of the instrument, process, what you get, etc. Alama has a FB page with many playing videos, so my idea what to talk about the process and what he can do and what you get.
I did it too. This is what I used Woodglut designs for
On the V2...Are the black front knob and depth adjustor made out plastic or some kind of metal? thank you!
Some kind of anodized aluminum.
@@dweisbord thank you for the quick reply. I appreciate it.
Any specific reason you’re using olive and not walnut during this sealing? I would’ve imagined using walnut, it being a hardening oil.
You are right that adding walnut oil to your shellac is great as a hardening agent but that isn't what the seal coat is. At first I used to just use a light coat of shellac as the seal coat but was taught later that a slurp of olive oil helped - I will use olive oil later in the pore filling phase. The purpose here is to seal the wood, not adding a hardening agent, so that's my reasoning. Like I say you can easily do the same sealing with just shellac and no added oil at all but I like a drop of oil added. I also do not use walnut oil in the filling process - the walnut oil comes later when I am bodying the polish.
Thanks for posting this! Just picked up another unused one with the handle bent so far I thought it came that way from the factory. Fantastic concept of a tool and hoping I can get this completely tuned up
Where can i buy crowning file like yours?
Mine are sold by LMI (Luthiers Mercantile) but there are many others that are effective. These are not cheap - at least good ones aren't - but will last for many years.
Thank you! Big help!
Can I ask your opinion about an Ovation acoustic guitar surviving the Philippines? I will assume your words still apply. I am hoping to have a little more durability from the plastic back of an ovation. Ovations do travel better, but long term all the rules still apply I think.
You are right that a bowl Ovation does not have some of the problems an all wood guitar might have but it does have a wooden neck. I would feel comfortable if kept in a case and preferably in an aircon room.
@@dweisbord Awesome. Thank you.
I own Alama guitar. The best luthier from Dauin Negros Oriental 👌
Thank you for all the FP videos. Is that possible that applying shellac on a guitar top while bridge is on? I have tried several times but failed to even the polish and prevent swirl marks. Any tips?
Yes it can be done but as you discovered it is difficult. There is a Facebook French Polishing Group. I would suggest asking there and seeing what kind of tips you get.
Sí, pero son muy caros.
How must it costs you all in all?
Alama guitars start at 20k and go up from there. If you go to his FB page you can find a sheet of prices for extra features.
Watching the entire series.. got lost somewhere... What is the "polish"?
The "polish" is shellac with a little walnut oil mixed in.
Thank you kindly Sir; this is an example how great YT is on its best occasions. I've had some trouble finding out whether my shellac solution - blonde flakes dissolved by myself - is dewaxed or not. A true worry here to find good stuff for carrying out FP. My flakes were dewaxed, no doubt, liquid clear as crystal.
Very helpful. Thank you!!
Thanks!
Hi, Sir. How much did you spend for that amazing customized guitar?
On Alama's FB page he has a list of his prices.
i am planing to buy some 16k Guitar guess i will just keep it till i reach 20+ 🥺
If you want a good set-up better reach 25k
Hello Expat Luthier in the Philippines! it's amazing! Thanks for the very nice video! I saw it with great interest! Great! Have a nice day!
Cool - glad you liked!
I hear you say that electric solid body guitars suffer too. How much do they suffer? Is it hopeless to plan on retiring there and bringing several electric guitars?
The problem with electrics is different. It's the electronics. The pots, jacks and switches can rust. They can do that anywhere of course but you have to be careful here. Solutions? A good case, clean the electronics regularly, light oil or wax. And yes, once in a while you may have to replace a pot or jack. I do those replacements often in my shop.
@@expatluthierinthephilippin6441 Oh. Great thanks! I could live with the ocean air corrosion. I am so relieved to hear that. Acoustic guitars are so much part of the culture there. I suppose there is a "workaround" for their problems as well. Maybe not growing attached to any one guitar is required.
Hi sir. how much did you get that? :)
Alama's FB page has a list of their options and prices.
Awesome! This explanation is very comforting. Thank you.
The one thing I would add after a few more years running a repair shop here is that when it comes to an acoustic guitar you must have decent case and preferably something to control the climate in your home such as an aircon. Many of the broken acoustics that some to my shop either have no cases or no climate control. If you have neither bad things can happen.
@@expatluthierinthephilippin6441 Even guitars made in the Philippines? It seems like high end guitars do not make sense. So many nylon string guitars are heard on Philippine tv shows. I guess the common man buys a humble guitar and then replaces it in two or three years.
On my end your voice sounds good.I wondered how old is your iPhone…got me me 12…13 later maybe😂; it could engineered coconut shell for fretboard y bridge most likely…; btw the matured coconut tree could resourced for tone woods huh…I think😅; I will wait for your iPhone 13 video y audio recording of that cool looking ax y ty for sharing 😊
Thanks. I will definitely be doing another playing video and an update on the guitar.
You spend this entire video talking. I mean, it's just baffling to me. No one is here to hear someone TALK about how strings SOUND - I promise you the overwhelming majority of your views were from people looking for videos comparing these strings but what we got was someone talking the entire time. No one came here to listen to someone talk. I really don't mean that personally, but in the future: PLAY first, THEN talk. If what you played was interesting enough, most will stick around to hear your thoughts. As it stands, this video was just ten wasted minutes for everyone.
Sorry you didn't like. This isn't a professional channel. I gave my impressions only. IMO sound comparison videos are worthless because a good or even bad guitarist can make a guitar or strings sound nearly any way he wants. So for me describing the plusses and minuses of pure nickel strings with round core was more valuable. Bottom line - try them and see if they are for you. Personally I now use Curt Mangan pure nickel round cores. There is no way you will hear a different between the Mangans, Stringjoys or TIs on a video - they are all excellent - but I can describe why one brand lasts longer or is a better value.
I would like to purchase one in the future. Hoping they will have Jumbo size guitar, with scooped slot, and fanned frets.
Talk to William Alama. I know they do a Jumbo. Not sure about fanned frets.
@@expatluthierinthephilippin6441 they already offering fanned frets/multi scale neck at 5000 php or 94 usd
Thanks for posting this. I'd been looking at this, but NONE of the photos Bridge City shows really gives you a feel for the size of it.
The PB1 is so small it is most appropriate for small hole and driving small screws. This one (PB2) works for the small stuff but is a bit larger and heavier and I could see using it for medium holes and medium screws as well.
So sad i didn't find this earlier. I've ordered guitar few days ago. Hey sir would please mind to tell how much is guitar like that? To make me think if i can afford one.
Alama guitars start at 20k and go up from there. If you go to his FB page you can find a sheet of prices for extra features.
Very interesting series, thank you 👍
Thanks - Glad you enjoyed.
So awesome!!
Thanks!
I also own an Alama Guitar, what was that string you used? i mean the brand and the gauge?
@@sjb_andri1332 They are Curt Mangan 80/20. The gauge is a super light 9-42 and they are round core strings. I play 9-42 on my electric guitars and wanted a similar experience with my old fingers. However I did just order some Curt Mangan sets in 10-46, so will compare. At the same time the guitar had only had strings on it for a few days and is already beginning to open up; I suspect in the months to come its tone will change. The light strings have nice mid and high tones but are a bit weak on the bottom end. Perhaps the 10-46s will be somewhat better, even though that too is a very light gauge.
@@expatluthierinthephilippin6441 Thank you for your quick response. so i was right thinking it was some super light string gauge. Where did you buy your strings? i am having difficulty on searching legit strings, most available are just immitations. Anyway, it still sounded good, your Alama guitar with the super light strings.
@@sjb_andri1332 Curt Mangan round core. I used the very very night 9-42s since they match my electric guitars and are easy only old fingers. Nonetheless I am gonna try Mangan 10-46s. The 9s sound great on the highs and mids but a little weak on the lows. Of course the instrument is far from broken in so that will change the sound also.
Thank you for your awesome review. 😍🙏❤️
It's been a part of my dream to have Alama Guitar on my own. I once played one of these Alama Guitar before and it was very very satisfying and it really sounded good. I'm a newbie guitar player and even me can differentiate the difference between Alama Guitars and other guitars on market nowadays and Alama has the best so far I've tried.
Nice to hear. Hope you are able to have that dream come true.
What is this outlet that you speak of that sells the Chinese version?
Things have changed since this video. First off there are only Chinese made Bridge City tools, since 3 years ago the company was bought by Harvey Industries. You can but bridge City tools directly from Bridge City or from a number of outlets worldwide - I think there is a list on their website. But all the tools now are made in China.
@@expatluthierinthephilippin6441 yea I noticed that on a try square I bought from them over a year ago. I thought maybe you could still find a knockoff of this somewhere kinda like their kerf tool. Thanks anyway
Looks and sounds great! So interested in Gmelina for guitar tops. Fellow Expat here, in Mindanao
Thanks! Check out Alama Guitars.
This is so helpful. My uncle brought home a solid top acoustic guitar from nevada. I told him to just let the guitar settle in first in the case slowly. So far so good.