Critical Bits

Wood

 Almost all of the wood used is from Orcas Island Tonewoods. Big leaf maple & Alaskan Sitka spruce. Beautiful stuff! That's Bruce on the top of his Island, in the middle of a ten mile hike! He's been harvesting tonewoods for close to four decades, and every trip up is an amazing learning experience!

Hide Glue

I use hide glue throughout, except for gluing kerfing to the ribs (Titebond) and binding (Duco). 

Bracing 

I've experimented with forward and centered X-bracing with great success! I've learned a few new things about tone bar bracing. I'm reeling in the X's & focusing on the tone bars for a spell. X-braced instruments will still happen sporadically. You can always contact me to order an X!

Finishing with Aniline Dyes & Spirit Varnish

After testing a number of options, this is the route. Rubbing water-based, Aniline dyes can do a lot for a piece of maple! The spirit varnish is a variation of an old recipe. It is brushed, lightly sanded & French polished. For my health and many other reasons, it is my choice for finish.