Official Luthiers Forum! :: View topic - Looking for input to improve our service

Indian Ebony fretboards :twisted:

Might not be worth it for your biz,
but I need Weiss back, sides tops.

Bob,
I'm not a big player or anything, but I think it would be great to have a trusted source for bridges, necks, fingerboards, etc., that are made from domestic woods. Even before all the issues of the Lacey Act came to the forefront there seemed to be a lot of discussion here and elsewhere about acceptable alternative materials. I know I would be interested and I doubt I'm the only one. Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems reasonable to assume that the demand for such items will only increase in the future.

, Hibdon for necks (their prices and quality on mahogany and Spanish cedar are unmatched)

, In any case, a steady supply of African blackwood bindings would be much appreciated. I know you had some a while back, but I just hate paying shipping for one item, and didn't have anything else to add before they were all gone :cry:

Some domestic neck woods would be cool, like maple, walnut, maybe cherry and butternut. Especially if you can get some pieces with good colors and/or curly, but stable grain.

I've also been on the lookout for a supplier of domestic fingerboard and bridge woods. Maybe not too practical for you since not much good grows up there, but if you can source mesquite, Texas ebony, desert ironwood, and persimmon (if you can find some "zoot quality"/not pure white), that would be great to have available.

A small stock of harp guitar woods would be nice too. I'm currently on the prowl for cedar and redwood tops. Alaska Specialty Woods has some cedar that I'll likely be buying soonish, but no redwood located as of yet (although I won't be needing it for a few years anyway). Won't be needing any more backs and sides for a good while either, but of course "need" and "I'm buying that" are very different concepts when you're involved [uncle]

Maybe some of that imbuia? Curly mahogany would be nice too.

Hi Bob, how about matching neck stock?
You know, some slab-sawn pieces that might be left-overs from the milling process, which would be perfect matches for the particular set(s) being offered?
And you wouldn't have to glue it up into blanks, just offer it as a possibility.
I love making a neck with at least one stringer (laminated neck) that matches the body wood.

Steve

well if you can find some pernambuco, that would be cool

U-Beaut Hard Shellac. I have some coming from LMI (West coast) it would be nice to have a dealer on the east coast. I have my fingers crossed that a glass bottle of liquid is gonna make it ground shipped across America!
Wood.
Cheap sets of Brazilian

If you have an interest in Kentucky Coffee tree I have a 300 year old + hunk waxed and ready to harvest. And I am shy on tools to make it to billets.

Stew Mac prices are quite reasonable. And I've never had a problem with fiber fuzzing (?)

Bob you might experiment with a couple of non-wood products and see how that goes.

Filippo

Author:	Bobc [ Tue Nov 29, 2011 7:53 pm ]
Post subject:	Looking for input to improve our service
to OLF members. In our continuing effort to build on our inventory I am looking for input from the membership on what you would like to see us carry. Most anything luthier related is open for consideration. So let's see whats on your mind. Should be an interesting thread.

Author:	Rod True [ Tue Nov 29, 2011 9:27 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Looking for input to improve our service
More Imbuia.... mind you, I'd buy it all if you could get it

Author:	theguitarwhisperer [ Tue Nov 29, 2011 9:31 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Looking for input to improve our service
I think an African Ebony back and side set would be cool.

Author:	Bobc [ Tue Nov 29, 2011 9:58 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Looking for input to improve our service
We are already working on both of those. Anyone else? How about slotted fretboards, fretwire, tuners etc etc etc.

Author:	SimonF [ Tue Nov 29, 2011 9:59 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Looking for input to improve our service
Indian Ebony fretboards

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Looking for input to improve our service http://luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=34400	Page 1 of 3

Author:	alan stassforth [ Tue Nov 29, 2011 10:13 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Looking for input to improve our service
Might not be worth it for your biz, but I need Weiss back, sides tops.

Author:	Bobc [ Tue Nov 29, 2011 10:21 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Looking for input to improve our service
SimonF wrote: Indian Ebony fretboards Simon just as soon as this Lacey issue is resolved.

Author:	Bobc [ Tue Nov 29, 2011 10:22 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Looking for input to improve our service
alan stassforth wrote: Might not be worth it for your biz, but I need Weiss back, sides tops. Alan what species would be good to carry?

Author:	oval soundhole [ Tue Nov 29, 2011 10:30 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Looking for input to improve our service
well if you can find some pernambuco, that would be cool

Author:	George L [ Tue Nov 29, 2011 10:35 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Looking for input to improve our service
Bob, I'm not a big player or anything, but I think it would be great to have a trusted source for bridges, necks, fingerboards, etc., that are made from domestic woods. Even before all the issues of the Lacey Act came to the forefront there seemed to be a lot of discussion here and elsewhere about acceptable alternative materials. I know I would be interested and I doubt I'm the only one. Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems reasonable to assume that the demand for such items will only increase in the future.

Author:	Carey [ Tue Nov 29, 2011 11:02 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Looking for input to improve our service
George L wrote: Bob, I'm not a big player or anything, but I think it would be great to have a trusted source for bridges, necks, fingerboards, etc., that are made from domestic woods. Even before all the issues of the Lacey Act came to the forefront there seemed to be a lot of discussion here and elsewhere about acceptable alternative materials. I know I would be interested and I doubt I'm the only one. Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems reasonable to assume that the demand for such items will only increase in the future. [quote="George L"]Bob, I'm not a big player or anything, but I think it would be great to have a trusted source for bridges, necks, fingerboards, etc., that are made from domestic woods. Even before all the issues of the Lacey Act came to the forefront there seemed to be a lot of discussion here and elsewhere about acceptable alternative materials. I know I would be interested and I doubt I'm the only one. Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems reasonable to assume that the demand for such items will only increase in the future.[/quote +1

Author:	Steve Kinnaird [ Tue Nov 29, 2011 11:39 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Looking for input to improve our service
Hi Bob, how about matching neck stock? You know, some slab-sawn pieces that might be left-overs from the milling process, which would be perfect matches for the particular set(s) being offered? And you wouldn't have to glue it up into blanks, just offer it as a possibility. I love making a neck with at least one stringer (laminated neck) that matches the body wood. Steve

Author:	DennisK [ Tue Nov 29, 2011 11:43 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Looking for input to improve our service
Well, it depends on what direction you want to take your business. I typically go to you for primo beauty woods, LMI for tuners, fretwire, nuts/saddles, bridge pins, carbon fiber, tools and occasional wood bits, Allied for truss rods and more fancy woods and nuts/saddles, Hibdon for necks (their prices and quality on mahogany and Spanish cedar are unmatched) and some backs and sides, Andy DePaule for shell. Tops, fingerboards, and bridges I've accumulated from various places with no clear winner. So, you can either stay focused on your niche and I'll keep coming back when I see something I can't resist, or go study those other places to see what your competition will be In any case, a steady supply of African blackwood bindings would be much appreciated. I know you had some a while back, but I just hate paying shipping for one item, and didn't have anything else to add before they were all gone Some domestic neck woods would be cool, like maple, walnut, maybe cherry and butternut. Especially if you can get some pieces with good colors and/or curly, but stable grain. I've also been on the lookout for a supplier of domestic fingerboard and bridge woods. Maybe not too practical for you since not much good grows up there, but if you can source mesquite, Texas ebony, desert ironwood, and persimmon (if you can find some "zoot quality"/not pure white), that would be great to have available. I'll second Rod's request for imbuia. Love my bubbly burly curly set from you Won't be building it up for a while though. Get some non-burl sets too though, for live back guitars. The burl may be beautiful and smell great, but it thunks about as well as an Ovation A small stock of harp guitar woods would be nice too. I'm currently on the prowl for cedar and redwood tops. Alaska Specialty Woods has some cedar that I'll likely be buying soonish, but no redwood located as of yet (although I won't be needing it for a few years anyway). Won't be needing any more backs and sides for a good while either, but of course "need" and "I'm buying that" are very different concepts when you're involved Maybe some of that imbuia? Curly mahogany would be nice too.

Author:	Bobc [ Wed Nov 30, 2011 12:28 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Looking for input to improve our service
DennisK wrote: , Hibdon for necks (their prices and quality on mahogany and Spanish cedar are unmatched) Dennis Funny you should mention that. We have been buying our mahogany and cedar lumber from Hibdon for quite a few years. Quote: , In any case, a steady supply of African blackwood bindings would be much appreciated. I know you had some a while back, but I just hate paying shipping for one item, and didn't have anything else to add before they were all gone Price for African Blackwood is too prohibitive as well as near impossible to obtain. Quote: Some domestic neck woods would be cool, like maple, walnut, maybe cherry and butternut. Especially if you can get some pieces with good colors and/or curly, but stable grain. We are working on this. Quote: I've also been on the lookout for a supplier of domestic fingerboard and bridge woods. Maybe not too practical for you since not much good grows up there, but if you can source mesquite, Texas ebony, desert ironwood, and persimmon (if you can find some "zoot quality"/not pure white), that would be great to have available. Very little of our wood is sourced from our area. Texas Ebony and mesquite are a possibilty. I have never come across anyone selling persimmon. Quote: A small stock of harp guitar woods would be nice too. I'm currently on the prowl for cedar and redwood tops. Alaska Specialty Woods has some cedar that I'll likely be buying soonish, but no redwood located as of yet (although I won't be needing it for a few years anyway). Won't be needing any more backs and sides for a good while either, but of course "need" and "I'm buying that" are very different concepts when you're involved Maybe some of that imbuia? Curly mahogany would be nice too. Harp guitar tops are highly unlikely. The amount that we would sell would be nill. We'll leave that too the guys that specialize in soundboards.

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Author:	Bobc [ Wed Nov 30, 2011 12:31 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Looking for input to improve our service
Steve Kinnaird wrote: Hi Bob, how about matching neck stock? You know, some slab-sawn pieces that might be left-overs from the milling process, which would be perfect matches for the particular set(s) being offered? And you wouldn't have to glue it up into blanks, just offer it as a possibility. I love making a neck with at least one stringer (laminated neck) that matches the body wood. Steve Steve we usually have these leftovers in the form of orphaned sides. Is that what your asking for or the actual neck to match?

Author:	Bobc [ Wed Nov 30, 2011 12:34 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Looking for input to improve our service
oval soundhole wrote: well if you can find some pernambuco, that would be cool Brian -- pernambuco is a ways down on our list just before sky hooks

Author:	Mike Lindstrom [ Wed Nov 30, 2011 2:07 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Looking for input to improve our service
You shouldn't make any decisions based on the handful of sets I need a year, but I keep wanting to try osage orange and keep not finding it. And ever since I first visited your site, I keep checking the flamewood section. I also like LMI's longer neck blanks. I stack heels and matching from the same board seems like a good idea. As for tuners and other stuff, that seems like a lot of inventory to keep, but one stop shopping might make my life a little simpler. +1 on domestic woods that aren't oak. +1 on domestic fingerboard and bridge options. Mike

Author:	Kim [ Wed Nov 30, 2011 2:44 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Looking for input to improve our service
Good Black Limba Bob..always sells well. Sounds great and looks great especially when it has a good bit of contrast webbed up with black and/or a streak of red from ambrosia beetle..Oh and along the lines of Steve's request...matching neck stock would be the roo's shoes........ If you find can find it, please let me know mate. Cheers Kim

Author:	YJ John [ Wed Nov 30, 2011 7:06 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Looking for input to improve our service
U-Beaut Hard Shellac. I have some coming from LMI (West coast) it would be nice to have a dealer on the east coast. I have my fingers crossed that a glass bottle of liquid is gonna make it ground shipped across America! Wood. Cheap sets of Brazilian If you have an interest in Kentucky Coffee tree I have a 300 year old + hunk waxed and ready to harvest. And I am shy on tools to make it to billets.

Author:	Arnt Rian [ Wed Nov 30, 2011 8:14 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Looking for input to improve our service
For us international customers, the shipping is a big part of the consideration, especially as the price on overseas shipping from the US has gone through the roof in recent years (no more "surface mail", for example). So for us, the more stuff we can get from the same vendor, the more stuff we can ship combined, the better, as it lowers the total shipping, brokerage/customs fees etc. Shane Neifer can deliver a full range of Gotoh tuners, for example, but I don't think he has it all in stock, so it may take a little bit of time for him to get it, but his prices are good. Be the new LMI / Stewmac, but with better wood and better prices!

Author:	Bobc [ Wed Nov 30, 2011 8:23 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Looking for input to improve our service
YJ John wrote: U-Beaut Hard Shellac. I have some coming from LMI (West coast) it would be nice to have a dealer on the east coast. I have my fingers crossed that a glass bottle of liquid is gonna make it ground shipped across America! Wood. Cheap sets of Brazilian If you have an interest in Kentucky Coffee tree I have a 300 year old + hunk waxed and ready to harvest. And I am shy on tools to make it to billets. John what would the Kentucky Coffee tree be used for?

Author:	Chris aka Sniggly [ Wed Nov 30, 2011 8:23 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Looking for input to improve our service
Bob I don't know if you have this or if you've carried it before, but pressure dyed maple veneers for purf's and trim. I'm not a big fan of the fiber sheets as they sometimes just fuzz a little. BTW - Soooo good to have you back and I hope you have the greatest success!

Author:	Bobc [ Wed Nov 30, 2011 8:24 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Looking for input to improve our service
Arnt thanks for suggestions

Author:	David Newton [ Wed Nov 30, 2011 9:30 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Looking for input to improve our service
That Cuban Mahogany I got from you is beautiful. I'll want another set soon...

Author:	Bobc [ Wed Nov 30, 2011 9:30 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Looking for input to improve our service
Filippo Morelli wrote: Stew Mac prices are quite reasonable. And I've never had a problem with fiber fuzzing (?) Bob you might experiment with a couple of non-wood products and see how that goes. Filippo Filippo we no longer have that problem since we switched suppliers. Not sure what non-wood products are available. I know the fiber is a wood product and we also have wood veneer.