This tag should be used for questions about creating or modifying instruments and equipment, whether from the perspective of the craftsman or the layman.
10
votes
3answers
108 views
Why does a piano have only one or two strings per note in the bass register, but three for other registers?
Does it have something to do with keeping it in tune, since the smaller strings might be more prone to be stretched? (And therefore they spread out the impact to more than one string).
Or maybe just ...
1
vote
2answers
197 views
Why do trumpet valves shift down and not up?
I understand how trumpets work - valves open to force the air through crooks, which lengthens the pathway the air must travel, thus decreasing the resonant frequency.
The question is, why are ...
7
votes
2answers
877 views
How does the piano middle pedal work? Is there a standard symbol for it?
What are the mechanics behind the middle piano pedal? I have been using the middle pedal for a variety of music, it is wonderful, but I can't figure out how it works (I mean the mechanical process). ...
11
votes
5answers
1k views
Why are the white and black keys on the piano placed the way they are?
I am pretty convinced it is not just for historical reasons.
I have found a mathematically-sound explanation of the twelve-tone musical scale, thanks to this question. Does anyone know a similar, ...
2
votes
1answer
164 views
How to glue a crack in the front panel of a classical guitar?
It was probably caused by dryness or bad storage. The crack goes all the way from the sounding board hole to the bottom edge of the guitar (assuming it's standing).
6
votes
2answers
159 views
What factors to consider when inventing a new (lab) instrument?
I have the idea for a new instrument which doesn't work with wind/blowing, hitting, or keystroked, but rather pressure.
What factors should an instrument have? Is there a checklist that I can check ...
2
votes
1answer
485 views
What are the pros/cons of the “tuning-in-slide” method of trombone design?
Almost all American-made trombones are tuned using a tuning slide in the crook of the bell section. However, some European instrument makers sell trombones designed with a one-piece crook and a ...
3
votes
1answer
373 views
What are the differences for left handed person when playing electric cello?
If I decide to buy an electric cello, should I look for a special one for left handed people, or I will even have to order a custom one?
9
votes
2answers
128 views
Are there reasons to choose between a round-section or an octogonal-section bow?
The initial part of a violin, viola, or cello bow in modern models is always octogonal, but
the rest of the stick can be either of round section or octogonal-faceted.
Is it simply a different ...
14
votes
1answer
390 views
How does one change bow hair?
What are the steps to follow to unmount the hair from a bow and install a new set ?
What kind of tools and products do you need beside a new set of bow hair ?
How do you measure/adjust the length ...
1
vote
3answers
80 views
Carving a cutaway in a right-handed bass guitar to better suit a left-handed player
I am annoyed with the selection of left handed guitars. What bothers me about turning a right handed guitar into a left handed guitar is that there is not enough room given for the hand to reach the ...
8
votes
5answers
839 views
Building an electric guitar from scratch
I want to make an electric guitar by myself from scratch. How can I do this?
6
votes
4answers
369 views
How do I go about de-fretting a bass guitar?
I would like a fretless bass guitar, and I am considering giving an old bass a new lease of life as a fretless instrument.
I would like to know how to go about achieving this at home, by myself, to ...
7
votes
1answer
276 views
Can I build an EBow myself?
It's possible to get some crazy sounds using an EBow on the guitar. I know that it works by creating an electromagnetic field to move the strings. Has anybody tried to build one? Are any schematics ...
6
votes
7answers
526 views
What can I build into my guitar and use the “tone pots” buttons to adjust?
The tone pots are fairly useless, for the most part, so I was wondering what else people have done to take advantage of having those two controls available. I would love some ideas of something I ...
3
votes
2answers
663 views
What pickups should I install on my telecaster?
I have some texas specials on a telecaster right now. The were fine when I was back in the army but now I'm playing a wider combination of music that needs solid rhythm (even acoustic sounding would ...
2
votes
1answer
1k views
What is “vintage” wiring on a Les Paul?
What does "vintage" wiring on a Les Paul look like? How is it different from "modern" wiring? What are its advantages? Drawbacks?
8
votes
2answers
832 views
What is a Birdseye Maple Neck?
Where does it come from or how is it chosen over regular Maple Necks - is there a tonal difference?
19
votes
3answers
12k views
What is the Difference between Maple and Rosewood Fretboards
Is there a difference that's based on feel or sound - why are they the two most widely used choices?
7
votes
6answers
1k views
Can you make your own Leslie Speakers?
I love the sound when employed with an Organ ( Jimmy Smith) and on Little Wing(SRV) - I vaguely remember seeing Kings X live once and I believe Ty Tabor had a pair of Leslie speakers that sounded ...
5
votes
2answers
554 views
Is a guitar body made out of mahogany generally lighter than a body made out of alder ?
I know that each piece of wood is different and two similar pieces of a same essence will have different weight.
But in general, for the same body shape and size which wood essence will tend to give ...
10
votes
3answers
418 views
The skinny on neck constructions. Is it all about tone?
I recently went from a Peavy bolt-on classic bass to Warwick Thumb NT.
The tone difference is completely out of this world, and comparatively, so was the price.
I want to understand the ...
11
votes
3answers
153 views
What to look for in an independent luthier?
I've long been considering looking for an independent luthier to build me a custom guitar. I have a pretty specific idea of what I want the guitar to be, but I don't know how to find the right ...
