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Darren Forbes
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  • Meadow Lake
  • Canada
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Darren Forbes posted a blog post

Designing a Guitar Body

Like other instrument builders, I have played around with the design of guitar bodies.  I have always worked from existing standard shapes and modified it from there usually with a basic geometry set and some poster board. In 2009 I read a very cool article in AMERICAN LUTHERIE #97.  It detailed ways to use geometric principles to design a guitar shape.So recently I stumbled upon a …See More
Jun 6, 2012
0 Comments
Jim McHie commented on Darren Forbes's blog post Luthier work in the middle of nowhere
"It's funny because you hear about these long-time small luthiers out in the middle of nowhere themselves who have had so much success.  But people come to them from all over . . . reputation is everything.  I would totally agree with…"
May 27, 2012
Darren Forbes posted a blog post

Baking/Cooking Your Tops

I build in a part of Canada that has dramatic changes in humidity throughout the year.  This has caused me some trouble when building.  It forced me to invest in some major climate control in my shop.  This way I could maintain a consistent humidity while building.  However, I find it difficult to determine the moisture content of a top and simply use "time" since I got the wood to judge whether or not it is worthy to build with yet. I recently started exploring the topic and found some good…See More
May 17, 2012
0 Comments
Greg Nelson replied to Darren Forbes's discussion Repairing Nitrocellulose Lacquer in the group Guitar Makers
"Nitro has been one of the more predictable and forgiving finishes over the years but is changing due to EPA regulations.  In the early days of Nitro these sorts of cracking problems were rampant.  Perhaps your supplier has changed formula…"
May 11, 2012
John replied to Darren Forbes's discussion Repairing Nitrocellulose Lacquer in the group Guitar Makers
"If I am adding retarder to my stock for spraying I use around 3% (4oz/gal).  Consider this as part of any thinner normally added to spray stock.  You can also use a 75/25 thinner/retarder to mist spray onto a finish that has blush or mild…"
May 10, 2012
Darren Forbes replied to Darren Forbes's discussion Repairing Nitrocellulose Lacquer in the group Guitar Makers
"Thanks for the reply John, I start the finish with a a few coats of sealer before I start in with the lacquer.  I will try the retarder idea next time.  What % do you add the retarder to your mix? I have not used shellac under any of my…"
May 10, 2012
John replied to Darren Forbes's discussion Repairing Nitrocellulose Lacquer in the group Guitar Makers
"I’ve used Behlen’s spray retarder to both avoid blush in humid conditions and especially on the tops coats to get good flow.  I have noticed less cracking around the heel/rib joint and the area around the heel cap and bindings on…"
May 10, 2012
Darren Forbes replied to Darren Forbes's discussion Repairing Nitrocellulose Lacquer in the group Guitar Makers
"I don't use any retarder in my nitro, just thinner.  The odd thing is I repair the finish (since nitro easily burns in) but it will re-crack after.  If the top is shrinking I am not sure if they are the spots where I would expect…"
May 10, 2012

Profile Information

Which one of the following describes your involvement in music? (Check all that apply)
Gigging or professional musician, Guitar maker
How many years have you been playing guitar?
10-20 years
Which of these instruments do you own or play?
Flattop steel-string acoustic guitar
The make and model of your guitar(s) and/or other instruments and gear.
Forbes OM-1
Tokai ES335 (refitted with Gibson humbuckers, CTS pots and Vitamin T caps)
Garrison G50CE
Fender Irish Bouzouki
Forbes Irish Bodhran
Laney Acoustic Amp
Fender 2-10 Deville
What is your website address?
http://www.darrenforbes.com
What type of music do you like to play?
Folk, Folk-Rock, Celtic-Rock, Celtic-Folk, Acoustic
Do you subscribe to or regularly read Acoustic Guitar?
I subscribe

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Darren Forbes's Blog

Designing a Guitar Body

Like other instrument builders, I have played around with the design of guitar bodies.  I have always worked from existing standard shapes and modified it from there usually with a basic geometry set and some poster board. In 2009 I read a very cool article in AMERICAN LUTHERIE #97.  It detailed ways to use geometric principles to design a guitar shape.

So recently I stumbled upon a …

Continue

Posted on June 6, 2012 at 11:20am

Baking/Cooking Your Tops

I build in a part of Canada that has dramatic changes in humidity throughout the year.  This has caused me some trouble when building.  It forced me to invest in some major climate control in my shop.  This way I could maintain a consistent humidity while building.  However, I find it difficult to determine the moisture content of a top and simply use "time" since I got the wood to judge whether or not it is worthy to build with yet. 

I recently started exploring the topic and found…

Continue

Posted on May 17, 2012 at 3:56pm

Luthier work in the middle of nowhere

In 2009 I officially started a small business for building and repairing guitars. I was enthusiastic and invested heavily in getting things going since all my friends and family thought putting my luthier training to good use would be a rewarding endeavor.  So, I invested...and invested and if it was not for the fact that I had a full-time job as a high school teacher I might have had to give up something drastic like eating or wearing clothes.  I invested a lot and was disappointed to…

Continue

Posted on May 10, 2012 at 8:22am — 1 Comment

Comment Wall (3 comments)

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At 8:08am on March 17, 2009, Edward Sparks said…
Great music...great voice too. I would be interested in your comments on my song "Hello Woman" on the Songwriters Group page...no midi strings on this one! Thanks for your time and interest! Edward Delete Comment
At 8:04am on March 17, 2009, Edward Sparks said…
I notice you play the boulzouki...is it tuned like a mandolin only an octave down? I am going to build an octave mando and I think that's tuned the same as the bouzouki. Also, I noted that your brother plays bass with you...I have an Ovation acoustic bass and a Hofner Icon bass, kind of like his Epi bass. I am going to take some time to listen to your songs now! Here is the address to my wsebsite, if you get a chance to visit pleas efeel free to sign the Guestbook!
Edward
http://mysite.verizon.net/emsparks/index.htm
At 7:55am on March 17, 2009, Edward Sparks said…
Hey, check out "Half Open Doors" on the song review group...it's great! Edward
 
 
 

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