Good point Wax.
Here is my email and Duane's response. I can understand wht he might not join these kinds of forums - makes it tough to track --- but I'll still try to talk him into registering and setting a notification.
---snip---
Hello John,
I'm someone's hero? That's a frightening thought! Thanks for the contact. I
just jumped over to you web site and took a look around. Interesting
stuff. How long have you been up and running? I don't usually register on
these kinds on sites, but I'll consider it. In the mean time I can answer
questions via email. As for stability of the rebuilt 6 string into a 12,
they are very stable and stronger. I have sold several of these guitars in
the past and the blues guys who buy them, seem to be very happy with them.
What they really like about them most is the smaller body size. Today's
makers build only in the dreadnaught or jumbo body sizes. While that does
meet some needs, I've found that the smaller body size can be just as loud
and much for comfortable to play. I really like the ladder braced style
for the top on these 12 strings. The sound is more authentic. I have
successfully built 6 string guitars into 12 strings from the parlor size
body to the 000 size body. I look for older, well built guitars with the
ladder bracing style. Also, the shorter playing scale, anything for 24.25"
to 25.4", works very well for tuning up to stanard pitch. I make sure the
new neck is properly supported with graphite rods plus an adjustable truus
rod. The internal bracing is always beefed up, as well as the neck and
tail blocks. I make the brass tailpiece from heavy brass plate and I like
the look. The tuners are modified Grover Stay-Tites, very well made with
no slop. Of course, I guarantee the guitar structurally and they can be
returned if the buyer is not happy. I usually offer a 48 hour aproval
period.
If you or anyone else has any questions, just let me know. I'll bookmark
your web site for now and keep track of things that way. I run a small one
man shop under the Black Bear name, don't have a web site, just eBay for
marketing. I build and repair all manner of string intruments. Again,
thanks for the contact. I'm sure we will be talking again. Feel free to
relay any of this information on you site.
Regards,
Duane Heilman
Black Bear Guitars
5010 W. Chestnut Ave. #1
Yakima, WA 98908
(509)965-4333
>> Hi Duane,
>>
>> I track your stuff as I am an amatuer luthier and I like your eBay
>> business model - one of these years I'll retire and make instruments.
>> You're my hero.
>>
>> But the reason for my email is that I also run a website devoted to
>> Country Blues and the types of guitars you are rebuilding are of
>> interest to Country Blues players.
>>
>> I've posted your auctions on the site and some members have some
>> questions about the converted 6 string - so I thought I'd invite you
>> over to the site and forum and maybe you could give those interested,
>> some feedback.
>>
>> The forum thread is here:
>>
http://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/index.php?amp;Itemid=74&topic=1537.0>>
>> Please join us!
>>
>> Thanks,
>> John Dodson (aka slack)
>> WeenieCampbell.com adminsitrator
>>
>>
