Official Luthiers Forum!
http://mowrystrings.luthiersforum.com/forum/

Visit to a local Luthier
http://mowrystrings.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=52627
Page 1 of 1

Author:  Colin North [ Tue Nov 12, 2019 2:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Visit to a local Luthier

Finally had the pleasure to meet Mr Marshall Dow, a bit of a local building legend in Aberdeen, Scotland.
An elderly gentleman now, he has been building nearly 50 years - violins, archtops, flattops, mandolins, bouzoukis, etc.
Had a good chinwag, and I played several of his instruments.
One early one was a Martin 000-18 replica, the plans for which were traced from the original templates by a very nice lady in the Martin office in response to his telephone inquiry for help.
He paid 5 shillings ($0.33) for the tracings and bracing details.
Here's a few of his builds and spot the little Gem he purchased.
Attachment:
MD stuff.jpg

Attachment:
IMG_20191112_144412065.jpg

Early Gibson L3 in original good condition.

Author:  Joe Beaver [ Tue Nov 12, 2019 2:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Visit to a local Luthier

Wow! That is very cool stuff. A visit like that can provide a lifetime inspiration!!!

Author:  jfmckenna [ Tue Nov 12, 2019 3:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Visit to a local Luthier

Chinwag huh, I like that one. :D

Cool stuff for sure.

Author:  Michael.N. [ Tue Nov 12, 2019 6:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Visit to a local Luthier

Pochette or a dancing masters fiddle. Have a friend who has just started to make one.

Author:  Mark Mc [ Wed Nov 13, 2019 5:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Visit to a local Luthier

Thanks Colin. That sounds like a priceless session.
I watched an interesting videoclip recently of an American TV host interviewing a British actor - they tried to bamboozle each other with local vernacular that the other had no hope of understanding. “Chinwag” seemed to be a term that totally mystified Americans - while every Brit (and Australian) knows what it means. I am glad you and Mr Dow had a good one!

Author:  Ruby50 [ Wed Nov 13, 2019 8:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Visit to a local Luthier

Was the L-3 an archtop at this time? This one is a 13 fretter. Does that make it 1928-29?

Ed

Author:  Mike Collins [ Wed Nov 13, 2019 2:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Visit to a local Luthier

your the next local legend maker.

Mc

Author:  Colin North [ Wed Nov 13, 2019 3:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Visit to a local Luthier

Ruby50 wrote:
Was the L-3 an archtop at this time? This one is a 13 fretter. Does that make it 1928-29?

Ed

I am no expert, and was merely repeating his claims for the guitar.
The logo suggests 1920/1933, adjustable truss rod suggests post 1922, similar guitar here https://www.archtop.com/ac_28L3.html

Author:  Ruby50 [ Wed Nov 13, 2019 9:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Visit to a local Luthier

Colin

Thanks for the site. Interesting to see these guys with the hand-rubbed sunburst in such good shape

Ed

Page 1 of 1 All times are UTC - 5 hours
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/