The "Try something different" challenge

[Charlie Schultz]

Hi all,
I'd like to get some feedback on this idea. The concept is to, um, try something new/different. So for example, if you normally build electric guitars, maybe be a little different and try a classical. Or be even more different and try a bowed instrument, or wind instrument, or even some drums or something experimental. If you don't have a "normal" build, then try your hand at something you might not otherwise try. Also, you don't have to start from scratch- if you've got something different you started a while ago, you're welcome to finish it for this challenge.

This would start maybe this month and will run over the summer (ending on August 31). There is no dollar limit (thought it might be fun to track how much you spend if you want). There will be the usual $10 entry fee.

So does this sound interesting to you? Would you probably participate?

[Jason Rodgers]

Well, finishing any one of my 7 instruments would be different. I'm in!

[Peter Wilcox]

I'm in. Everything I build turns out different than how I thought it would.

[Patrick DeGreve]

Hi Charlie; It's an interesting idea. I don't know what I would try yet. But I would be in. I have always had a great time with our challenges, and have learned quite a bit from watching what other members build.

[Douglas Ketellapper]

So now that I'm thinking again about wood and instruments, I think a challenge would be something good to light a fire under me and get the hand tools sharpened up. I've never made a carved top instrument, but I've bought material in the past for something like that, so I think I will try this, and build a carved top instrument with hand tools as much as I can. I was just looking at some carving tools that I own in fact, so challenge, you're on!

[Randy Roberts]

Whoops, screwed up how to edit a post...

[Randy Roberts]

I like the idea.
I've been sidetracked by house repair projects (not of my own initiative believe me <g>). This would be a good way to justify moving something more fun up the priorities list. It could jump start a bowlbacked instrument I've been wanting to try, but have had to put aside for a while, pretending that I'm still planning out how to do it..

And anything that would get a finished instrument on Jason's wall would be a good thing <g>

[Hans Bezemer]

Will using different techniques also aply? I would like to give a try using a 3d printer and waterjet cutter to cut some parts.

[Charlie Schultz]

Hi Hans,
Not exactly what I had in mind, but sure, that's acceptable.

[Jason Rodgers]

Thanks for the encouragement, Randy! And speaking of which: the only way I can enter is if it's okay that the project has already begun... like between 2 months and 6 years ago! (I kid you not.)

[Charlie Schultz]

Yep, you do not have to start from scratch.

[Douglas Ketellapper]

OK, so how does one pay an entry fee? I don't want to start until I've payed my dues? Sorry if it's an obvious question... I'm full of those.

[Hans Bezemer]

You can use the donate button at the bottom of this page.

[Charlie Schultz]

Hans is correct.

[Jason Rodgers]

Ok, if the entry requirements are broad enough to allow my instrument building "challenges" in, then I'll get my act together and get something posted (after registering, of course).

[kyle dejesus]

Yep, you do not have to start from scratch.

so how does one pay an entry fee?

[Charlie Schultz]

Kyle,
There is a PayPal "Donate" button at the bottom of the main forum page.

Thanks,
Charlie

[John Kingma]

I've been wanting to try a "real" acoustic for a long time... but the timing just isn't right for me at the moment.

In a previous challenge I built a very basic acoustic... but since I didn't have a hot pipe I just built a rectangular body. The next one will have some curves.

[Chuck Tweedy]

I'm building a Uke right now.
Its only my third ... does that count??

[Jason Rodgers]

If it gets Chuck visiting the MIMF more often, then I say let him in!