MIMF

If you want a rounded, smooth back try making a rib form with a radiused surface. Steam and bend the rib over the form then wrap with cord to force the lateral curve.

We have decided to go with a Warmoth custom neck and I will make the body from scratch. I found a really nice piece of African Mahogany 15" wide and 24' long and 1.75" thick. He has decided on MusicMan style pickups from Aguilar, a preamp and 34" scale. I can cut out the body and rout...

I have been asked to build a bass for my son. All my experience is in accoutstic instruments and he wants a solid body 5 string fretless bass. Has anyone used a Pitbull kit or know whether a decent instrument can be made from their product.

The old tymey way is to use a nitric acid solution. This will darken the figure more than the background. I use it on gunstocks. The technique calls for wiping on a dilute nitric acid on the wood, It may turn green depending on the sugar content. Then use a salamander (hot flat iron) and hold it ove...

Coolsma in the Netherlands makes an Ivorine recorder. All plastic but machined from solid bars rather than molded. Pricey but solid reputation.

a wind instrument make I knew used a spoon bit to bore straight holes over long distances. It looked like a long rod with one end formed into a half-tube the diameter of the bore and abot 3 or 4 inches long. The end was fashioned into a cutting edge.

I have a basset by Martin Skowronek. I cannot find much information on him although I am sure mine arrived here before the rules on ivory were tightened up.

Decorative purfling on the back
Relief carving on the head
interestingly shaped pegs

As Mr. Sender mentioned, a semicircular bowl is not as desirable as the more difficult flattened bowl. Since each rib has it's own shape (each pair actually) you will need a plan with templates for each rib. Since you will be putting so much time and effort into this it does not make sense to skimp ...