NikonGear'23

Images => Themes, Portfolio Series, PaW, or PaM => Topic started by: stenrasmussen on November 28, 2016, 00:04:41

Title: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: stenrasmussen on November 28, 2016, 00:04:41
I would like to see my fellow members' musical instruments.
Here's a glimpse of some of my guitars. In the back to the left is a Strat, the centre one is a self-built PRS style and with its back towards you is my old el-cheapo Martin; a Sigma.
This was shot with a Sigma 35/1.4A...yes...  :o
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: charlie on November 28, 2016, 01:34:39
Good idea for a theme, perhaps I can get around to shooting some of my instruments for this.

Sweet guitars. Mind sharing a bit more about the process of making your own guitar. I've picked up woodworking over the past couple years so naturally making a guitar has crossed my mind. Was yours a kit sort of deal or did you make the body from scratch?



Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Akira on November 28, 2016, 01:47:24
Nice idea, Sten!

These images were posted here some time ago, but I hope it is appropriate to re-post here.  These details were shot at the trade show called Tokyo Handcraft Guitar Festival last year.

First two images were the rosetta and the bridge ornament of a baroque guitar.  The last one is the elaborate binding/purfling job of a Torres-inspired original Spanish guitar.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 28, 2016, 09:31:26
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/681/23243056799_41a319c8a3_o.jpg)

A levin acoustic from the early seventies, before the takeover by Sigma i bought new and still have.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/741/21760276113_bc890cefe7_o.jpg)

Hamer sunburst from 1982, modded the electronics which is a sin actually, the original Dimarzio pickups
exchanged for Lawrence 2 L-90 1 L-100

Leaning against a Vox ac15c2

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8671/16509346190_f61b839d09_b.jpg)

Gibson les paul standard from 1987, exchanged the original pickups for low output Ox4 pickups, leaning
against a Marshall 4140 combo

Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 28, 2016, 18:50:59
The violin of Matthys Barnhoorn - on tour with the Band Magna Carta.
Matthys is one of the finest violin players I know (okey I dont know that many )
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Akira on November 02, 2019, 02:16:18
Replicas of the ancient string instruments of the lute family with elaborate inlays (#1: Gen-kan and #2 Bi-wa).  The original ones were made around 8c.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Zang on November 02, 2019, 16:37:39
My guitar got burned :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: ColinM on November 02, 2019, 20:19:50
Somehow I missed this thread first time around.
Love the images from Elsa, Kang and Akira.

But now, I just want to hear Fons playing some of those axes....!
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Frank Fremerey on November 03, 2019, 07:52:23
another guitar
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Frank Fremerey on November 03, 2019, 08:14:11
Herman van Veen presents his violin to me
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on November 03, 2019, 22:42:01
My first Hollow body build during nitrocellulose coating and final
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Frank Fremerey on November 07, 2019, 22:38:11
My first Hollow body build during nitrocellulose coating and final

superb lighting!
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 02, 2020, 13:22:02
Thank you Frank... after a long time
My new toy, one piece flame maple neck
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Fons Baerken on March 02, 2020, 16:59:10
Wonderful job Nasos!
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: ColinM on March 11, 2020, 22:29:10
So this doesn't really show off the instrument
(and is probably a fair relfection of the stage I've reached in learning to play it)

Thanks to the lmited DOF of the 105mm at this magnification, you're pretty much restricted to admiring some of the threadwork :)

More to follow
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Akira on April 03, 2020, 10:28:08
So this doesn't really show off the instrument
(and is probably a fair relfection of the stage I've reached in learning to play it)

Thanks to the lmited DOF of the 105mm at this magnification, you're pretty much restricted to admiring some of the threadwork :)

More to follow

A native American flute?  Beautiful aesthetic.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Akira on April 03, 2020, 10:29:45
My new travel bass customized for a tenor piccolo fretless bass.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Jakov Minić on April 03, 2020, 14:23:02
Akira, i had the pleasure to listen to you play it :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Akira on April 03, 2020, 14:28:31
Akira, i had the pleasure to listen to you play it :)

Glad you enjoyed it, Jakov!
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Fons Baerken on April 03, 2020, 15:18:32
My new travel bass customized for a tenor piccolo fretless bass.

Beautiful instrument, mahogany?
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Akira on April 03, 2020, 16:56:12
Beautiful instrument, mahogany?

Thank you, Fons.  Yes, the body/neck is made of mahogany.  This is made by a Turkish luthier/bass player, and I think the design is brilliant.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: ColinM on April 03, 2020, 22:46:52
My new travel bass customized for a tenor piccolo fretless bass.

I would love to hear how this sounds Akira
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: ColinM on April 03, 2020, 22:49:16
A native American flute?  Beautiful aesthetic.

This is a Bansuri (from India)
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Akira on April 04, 2020, 01:30:51
I would love to hear how this sounds Akira

You can watch my video playing it on FB.

This is a Bansuri (from India)

Thank you.  I like Hariprasad Chaurasia.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: ColinM on April 04, 2020, 18:13:25
Thanks Akira.
It was listening to his nephew Rakesh Chaurasia that persuaded me to try to learn.

Several weeks later a mysterious parcel (with typical Indian stitched packaging) arrived from Delhi. Progress has been slow, with occaisional bursts of inspiration.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Zang on January 16, 2021, 03:29:45
My latest wood burning :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Fons Baerken on January 16, 2021, 08:28:25
My latest wood burning :)

Nice parlor.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Jack Dahlgren on January 16, 2021, 16:46:26
My wife took this one in which the dog is telling me enough of that. Guitar is a Martin. Since I only play in the house and yard it is a bit big. But nothing else I have sustains as well.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Akira on January 16, 2021, 17:20:52
My latest wood burning :)

Beautiful work!


My wife took this one in which the dog is telling me enough of that. Guitar is a Martin. Since I only play in the house and yard it is a bit big. But nothing else I have sustains as well.

The dog looks like how we call "Shiba-Inu" in Japan.  Cute!  The dreadnought looks cool with the herringbone purfling.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Jack Dahlgren on January 16, 2021, 17:36:11
Beautiful work!


The dog looks like how we call "Shiba-Inu" in Japan.  Cute!  The dreadnought looks cool with the herringbone purfling.

She is a shiba, or at least mostly shiba. We got her as a rescue dog from a family who could not handle her. As you probably know shibas look cute, but often have strong opinions and can be quite fierce. They are quite loyal too.

I’ll try to take and post some photos of another guitar I have which looks more interesting.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Zang on January 16, 2021, 22:51:52
Thanks gents!

Jack, if you ship the guitar to me, I'll ship it back with the dog burned into the wood :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Akira on January 17, 2021, 00:08:46
She is a shiba, or at least mostly shiba. We got her as a rescue dog from a family who could not handle her. As you probably know shibas look cute, but often have strong opinions and can be quite fierce. They are quite loyal too.

I’ll try to take and post some photos of another guitar I have which looks more interesting.

I haven't seen shiba to be that fierce but know they are surprisingly emotional on their faces.

Am looking for the pictures of your another guitar!
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Jack Dahlgren on January 18, 2021, 17:46:39
I haven't seen shiba to be that fierce but know they are surprisingly emotional on their faces.

Am looking for the pictures of your another guitar!

Akira,

Taken with my phone, here is a Kay K-62 arch top from the late 1930’s. Kay is mostly known for cheaper guitars post war, but this was their attempt to compete with the Gibson L-5. It has a carved spruce top with maple back and sides. Kay called it the “Television” model as television had just been invented at that time. It has a few dings and scratches  here and there and I had to repair the tailpiece but is doing OK for 80 years old.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Zang on January 18, 2021, 18:32:35
Nice piece of history, Jack!
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 19, 2021, 19:23:38
Nice Bass Akira!  I cant reach your fb page to hear :(
Zang nice burning you make guitars unique :)
This old Kay is wonderful, I do love guitars playing and also building from time to time
The top must be Cedar, its a little unusual for a hollow body the usual is Spruce
I ve build a Cedar hollow body and you may see it in a very early stage, its the same instrument in my previous posts

if your interested in construction and can reed Greek  :D you may see it here
https://www.noiz.gr/community/forums/topic/42399-hollow-body-%CE%BA%CE%B1%CF%84%CE%B1%CF%83%CE%BA%CE%B5%CF%85%CE%AD%CF%82/ (https://www.noiz.gr/community/forums/topic/42399-hollow-body-%CE%BA%CE%B1%CF%84%CE%B1%CF%83%CE%BA%CE%B5%CF%85%CE%AD%CF%82/)

photo with 50/1.8D
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Jack Dahlgren on January 19, 2021, 19:57:49
Nice Bass Akira!  I cant reach your fb page to hear :(
Zang nice burning you make guitars unique :)
This old Kay is wonderful, I do love guitars playing and also building from time to time
The top must be Cedar, its a little unusual for a hollow body the usual is Spruce
I ve build a Cedar hollow body and you may see it in a very early stage, its the same instrument in my previous posts

if your interested in construction and can reed Greek  :D you may see it here
https://www.noiz.gr/community/forums/topic/42399-hollow-body-%CE%BA%CE%B1%CF%84%CE%B1%CF%83%CE%BA%CE%B5%CF%85%CE%AD%CF%82/ (https://www.noiz.gr/community/forums/topic/42399-hollow-body-%CE%BA%CE%B1%CF%84%CE%B1%CF%83%CE%BA%CE%B5%CF%85%CE%AD%CF%82/)

photo with 50/1.8D

One day I'd like to build a guitar, but I don't have workshop space, nor time... It is great to watch someone else doing it though!

The old catalog for the Kay arch-top says the top is spruce. I think in the US this was most common. Cedar is a bit soft.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Akira on January 20, 2021, 13:03:58
Akira,

Taken with my phone, here is a Kay K-62 arch top from the late 1930’s. Kay is mostly known for cheaper guitars post war, but this was their attempt to compete with the Gibson L-5. It has a carved spruce top with maple back and sides. Kay called it the “Television” model as television had just been invented at that time. It has a few dings and scratches  here and there and I had to repair the tailpiece but is doing OK for 80 years old.

Very nice rare guitar, Jack!  Among the bass players, Kay is more known as one of the manufacturers of bizarre basses.  I know that Epiphone used to be a high-end archtop guitar maker during the pre-war time and until it was bought by Gibson.  Your Kay archtop looks like a premium instrument with careful inlay and binding works.  Thank you for sharing!
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Akira on January 20, 2021, 13:08:50
Nice Bass Akira!  I cant reach your fb page to hear :(

This old Kay is wonderful, I do love guitars playing and also building from time to time
The top must be Cedar, its a little unusual for a hollow body the usual is Spruce
I ve build a Cedar hollow body and you may see it in a very early stage, its the same instrument in my previous posts

Yet another fine handcraft work, Nasos!

You need to be my friend on Facebook to watch the movie of me playing this piccolo tenor fretless bass guitar.  Please feel free to search for my name (Akira Sakamoto) and send me the request, if you are interested.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Akira on January 20, 2021, 13:17:03
Originally, the piccolo tenor fretless bass utilized a single-coil pickup designed for Fender Jazz Bass that is prone to pickup hum noise.  In order to make it silent, I bought two identical Jazz Bass pickups, removed a ceramic magnet from one of them to use it as a hum-cancelling dummy coil which is connected to another pickup in parallel in a reversed phase/polarity.  Here is how the modified guts look like.  The hum noise is effectively cancelled.

I put the removed ceramic magnet onto the same magnet of the pickup to increase the output.  It worked well, but the out put signal needed to be boosted a bit.  So, I built a small preamp that was to be attatched to the strap.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Fons Baerken on January 20, 2021, 14:09:37
Originally, the piccolo tenor fretless bass utilized a single-coil pickup designed for Fender Jazz Bass that is prone to pickup hum noise.  In order to make it silent, I bought two identical Jazz Bass pickups, removed a ceramic magnet from one of them to use it as a hum-cancelling dummy coil which is connected to another pickup in parallel in a reversed phase/polarity.  Here is how the modified guts looks like.  The hum noise is effectively cancelled.

I put the removed ceramic magnet onto the same magnet of the pickup to increase the output.  It worked well, but the out put signal needed to be boosted a bit.  So, I built a small preamp that was to be attatched to the strap.

Clever and skillfull job Akira.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Akira on January 20, 2021, 14:23:13
Clever and skillfull job Akira.

Thank you, Fons.  That was actually a pretty old trick I had forgot for some years...
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Akira on August 09, 2021, 02:46:21
In 2006, I visited C.F. Martin Guitar Company for the special article of a Japanese magazine dedicated to the acoustic guitars.  The images are of Martin D-100 Deluxe which was limited edition of 50 celebrating the production of the serial number 1 million guitar.  The body is of rare Brazilian rosewood (Darbergia nigra).  Hope you enjoy these highly elaborate inlay works.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Zang on August 09, 2021, 05:10:03
In 2006, I visited C.F. Martin Guitar Company for the special article of a Japanese magazine dedicated to the acoustic guitars.  The images are of Martin D-100 Deluxe which was limited edition of 50 celebrating the production of the serial number 1 million guitar.  The body is of rare Brazilian rosewood (Darbergia nigra).  Hope you enjoy these highly elaborate inlay works.

This is a stunning piece of art! This was not for sale, I guess.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 09, 2021, 11:00:08
What an art!
Thank you Akira!
My personal preference is a simple guitar decoration, wood maters 8)
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Akira on August 09, 2021, 12:02:57
This is a stunning piece of art! This was not for sale, I guess.

Indeed, yes, Zang!  These guitars were on display in Martin Museum in Nazareth, Pa, but the same models were actually sold, probably to the collectors.


What an art!
Thank you Akira!
My personal preference is a simple guitar decoration, wood maters 8)

You are welcome, Nasos!  I agree.  Although I appreciate such elaborate works of art, I would prefer instruments with minimal or no decorations but quality tonewoods.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Zang on August 10, 2021, 04:50:22
Indeed, yes, Zang!  These guitars were on display in Martin Museum in Nazareth, Pa, but the same models were actually sold, probably to the collectors.

Oh, so it was in the US. The art looks very oriental, though. Thanks Akira for sharing!
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Michael Erlewine on August 10, 2021, 15:54:27
I just happen to have a photo of one of my guitars, since given to my daughter who is a well-known singer/songwriter. This is a Gibson Nick Lucas Special, one of only two made especially for my brother Dan Erlewine, who is a well known guitar maker and repairman. These two made by Gibson for Dan have short-scale necks and my brother picked out all the wood, etc. Bob Dylan played a Nick Lucas Special for many years. I traveled with Dylan, hitchhiking across country with him in 1961 and helped Dylan put on a concert, etc. I was part of the Folk Revival in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

This taken with the Nikon Z7 with the Nikkor Noct f/0.95 lens.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Akira on August 10, 2021, 16:22:25
I just happen to have a photo of one of my guitars, since given to my daughter who is a well-known singer/songwriter. This is a Gibson Nick Lucas Special, one of only two made especially for my brother Dan Erlewine, who is a well known guitar maker and repairman. These two made by Gibson for Dan have short-scale necks and my brother picked out all the wood, etc. Bob Dylan played a Nick Lucas Special for many years. I traveled with Dylan, hitchhiking across country with him in 1961 and helped Dylan put on a concert, etc. I was part of the Folk Revival in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

This taken with the Nikon Z7 with the Nikkor Noct f/0.95 lens.

A rare guitar with the great family history!  I didn't know your daughter is singer songwriter:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Erlewine
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Akira on August 10, 2021, 16:47:33
The elusive Martin D-100 was shot with a 7MP Sony Cyber Shot.  Here are a couple of other images from the same camera.

The instrument shown here is called "gumbri", "gimbri" or "sintir" which is originally a Gnawa instrument but also popular among Maghreb countries.  Its body is made with a hollowed log and a sheet of camel skin.

The guy holding the gumbri is Aziz Sahmaoui who came to Japan as member of Zawinul Syndicate.

The second shows elaborate decoration on the skin and the neck.

The instrument sounds like a bass, and I fell in love with its sound immediately after I had heard its sound on "Gnawa Music of Marrakesh - Night Spirit Masters" CD produced by Bill Laswell.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Michael Erlewine on August 10, 2021, 17:14:11
Here is another photo with that guitar at a concert. My daughter May Erlewine with the Gibson Nick Lucas Special at the Wealthy Theater in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 10, 2021, 17:34:52
I just happen to have a photo of one of my guitars, since given to my daughter who is a well-known singer/songwriter. This is a Gibson Nick Lucas Special, one of only two made especially for my brother Dan Erlewine, who is a well known guitar maker and repairman. These two made by Gibson for Dan have short-scale necks and my brother picked out all the wood, etc. Bob Dylan played a Nick Lucas Special for many years. I traveled with Dylan, hitchhiking across country with him in 1961 and helped Dylan put on a concert, etc. I was part of the Folk Revival in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

This taken with the Nikon Z7 with the Nikkor Noct f/0.95 lens.
Great news Michael to hear that Dan is your brother! I know him from the various music magazines since 1980-90 and as an amateur luthier I learned a lot from his instructional videos on the net!
He is one of the living legends in guitar repair and craftsmanship of our days!
Now I can see that you share the same passion and perfection in your work :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Zang on August 10, 2021, 22:09:14
The guy holding the gumbri is Aziz Sahmaoui who came to Japan as member of Zawinul Syndicate.

Nice pictures! Nice to see you in the mirror too! :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Akira on August 10, 2021, 23:15:02
Nice pictures! Nice to see you in the mirror too! :)

Thank you, Zang.  Yes, it could be posted to the selfie thread.  :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Akira on October 24, 2021, 10:58:12
From the event yesterday.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Akira on November 27, 2021, 02:32:50
Its name is just timely, ironically...
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: ColinM on November 27, 2021, 11:24:02
Its name is just timely, ironically...
Good spot Akira
I had to check what this box of tricks is good for. It turns out...

"Alpha·Omicron delivers..........and bone-crushing sound. "
 :o :o
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Akira on November 27, 2021, 15:09:47
Good spot Akira
I had to check what this box of tricks is good for. It turns out...

"Alpha·Omicron delivers..........and bone-crushing sound. "
 :o :o

As a bass distortion pedal, it sounds nice.  :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Zang on November 28, 2021, 14:30:14
From the event yesterday.

I love the old time tone of the pictures. Good work, Aikira.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Akira on November 28, 2021, 18:29:17
I love the old time tone of the pictures. Good work, Aikira.

Thank you, Zang.  The atmosphere and the music was inspiring.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: ColinM on September 12, 2022, 20:31:28
So I'd heard the Donovan song about the Hurdy Gurdy man, but never seen one till now.

According to Wikipedia "The hurdy-gurdy is generally thought to have originated from fiddles in either Europe or the Middle East some time before the eleventh century A.D."
There's a handle on the lower left which rotates a wheel. This rubs on strings
- the two central ones (whose pitch can be changed using the keys) plus
- drone strings (as in bagpipes) on either side
I'm amazed at the complexity of something going back almost a thousand years

The second image shows ancient kings playing one at the Pórtico de la Gloria in the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela in Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Hugh_3170 on September 13, 2022, 02:33:13
Thanks Colin for the image and informative comment.  Yes, quite complex considering its antiquity.
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: Akira on September 13, 2022, 13:01:25
So I'd heard the Donovan song about the Hurdy Gurdy man, but never seen one till now.

According to Wikipedia "The hurdy-gurdy is generally thought to have originated from fiddles in either Europe or the Middle East some time before the eleventh century A.D."
There's a handle on the lower left which rotates a wheel. This rubs on strings
- the two central ones (whose pitch can be changed using the keys) plus
- drone strings (as in bagpipes) on either side
I'm amazed at the complexity of something going back almosy a thousand years

The second image shows ancient kings playing one at the Pórtico de la Gloria in the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela in Santiago de Compostela, Spain

This is a very educational shot showing the inside of the key mechanism.  Apparently, this hurdy-gurdy allows fine adjustment of each notes.  Thank you for sharing!
Title: Re: [Theme] Musical instruments
Post by: ColinM on September 13, 2022, 22:52:48
You're welcome Hugh & Akira.

I'll leave it to one of our Swedish members to tell us more about the even more fiendish Nyckelharpa

https://www.reddit.com/r/BeAmazed/comments/umiqeb/the_nyckelharpa_a_traditional_swedish_instrument/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x