Rhiannon and Galadriel

[michaelwayneharwood]

Thanks guys!

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

A quick update on some plan changes. The Galadriel build is going to be scrapped, and instead a different build is being planned using some of the same parts. It's a ways down the road, but when the time comes to get things moving we will start another build thread for that instrument. Soon Rhiannon will be finished and this thread will be done, but oh the things we have planned. I am not going to divulge any details, but feel free to nag Ron about if it you wish. Here's a rough mock-up as a teaser:

 

[PDX Rich]

Spalty 10 octave. I like!! Will you be able to adapt your single-tuner design for the treble pairs?

 

[Hamish MacCleod]

Spalty 10 octave. I like!! Will you be able to adapt your single-tuner design for the treble pairs?

I asked Michael about tuners for an octave bass when I commissioned Rhiannon. The small format tuners were the result of those conversations. None of the big parts suppliers had anything that was suitable. Also, this isn't actually an octave bass, it will be tuned B/f#/E/b/A/e/D/a/G/d. So each second course string is a perfect fifth of the fundamental string it is paired with. I shall make rhythm guitar players quake with fear (lmao). She will be a power chord monster (I hope/think).
Rondo

 

[PDX Rich]

I asked Michael about tuners for an octave bass when I commissioned Rhiannon. The small format tuners were the result of those conversations. None of the big parts suppliers had anything that was suitable. Also, this isn't actually an octave bass, it will be tuned B/f#/E/b/A/e/D/a/G/d. So each second course string is a perfect fifth of the fundamental string it is paired with. I shall make rhythm guitar players quake with fear (lmao). She will be a power chord monster (I hope/think).
Rondo

I see. Perfect 5ths will be beastly.

I am about to start a 8 string octave, but will use a gotah or schaller designed bridge and a Warwick nut. 10s and 12s are certainly tougher, parts-wise.
You are in good hands with Michael here!

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

Will you be able to adapt your single-tuner design for the treble pairs?

Per the response from Ron (above) the tuners were originally designed to for Ron's dual course design, though I did my best to make sure the design of the tuners accommodated a variety of applications such as standard guitars, tapping instruments, harps, hammered dulcimers, Harpejji clones, etc.

You are in good hands with Michael here!

That's nice of you to say - thanks so much!

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

While most of the rest of Denver is obsessing about the Super Bowl I am keeping busy finalizing Rhiannon. If all goes well I will have her assembled and playing this evening.

 

[emjazz]

Wow.

 

[mbelue]

I asked Michael about tuners for an octave bass when I commissioned Rhiannon. The small format tuners were the result of those conversations. None of the big parts suppliers had anything that was suitable. Also, this isn't actually an octave bass, it will be tuned B/f#/E/b/A/e/D/a/G/d. So each second course string is a perfect fifth of the fundamental string it is paired with. I shall make rhythm guitar players quake with fear (lmao). She will be a power chord monster (I hope/think).
Rondo

Fingerstyle or pick?
For fingers I'd prefer the courses reversed so the root gets played "first".

For picks obviously the reverse would be my preference.

Down picking vs. Up picking is a conversation i had a lot with guitars over the years.
IMO it really changes the feel of a song.

 

[Hamish MacCleod]

Fundamental strings will be the top course, secondary strings lower course. Ric style.
Rondo

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

She's mostly together. She is only missing being wired and set up. The Rotosound tape wounds look *very* nice, and feel silky smooth.

 

[wraub]

Very nice looking.
Very.

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

Very nice looking.
Very.

Thank you so much! She's wired for sound and everything works. I am blown away by how quiet these pickups are, and how good they sound. I am going to forego a sound sample and let @rondodunbar take care of that. I am letting her set in tonight under string tension and will tighten up the setup tomorrow night. The action is a bit high, and the intonation is off, but she plays fairly well all things considered.

 

[Rôckhewer]

She is absolutely gorgeous Michael!
VERY nicely done !
Looks like satin silk or crushed velvet spun from pure gold...
drool

 

[Jon Clegg]

Gorgeous

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

She is absolutely gorgeous Michael!
VERY nicely done !
Looks like satin silk or crushed velvet spun from pure gold...
drool

Gorgeous

Thanks guys!

 

[Hamish MacCleod]

Breathtaking!
Rondo

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

She is absolutely gorgeous Michael!
VERY nicely done !
Looks like satin silk or crushed velvet spun from pure gold...
drool

There's enough quilt on the top wood and fingerboard to keep you warm in a blizzard!

 

[PDX Rich]

Bravo, sir. She looks amazing!

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

Bravo, sir. She looks amazing!

Thanks man!