American Lutherie #123 cover shows a ukulele top being glitter tested

American Lutherie #123
Fall Issue 2015
Web Extras
Page 4 - Authenticity, Origininality, and Unleashing a Personal Style in
Violin Making by Charles Rufino
Charles Rufino (right) talks to Vahakn Nigogosian in 1977 Charles began working for master restorer Vahakn Nigogosian in 1977. About this photo, Charles says, “That’s me shooting my mouth off. I look at this picture now and I just want to croak. I don’t know what I was saying, but he was listening and paying attention to my guff. I think that’s very sweet.”
Group photo of the Oberlin workshop in 1980. This is the Oberlin workshop in 1986, the first year it was done. Charles is at the front right. Next to him is Vahakn Nigogosian. Also pictured is Carlos Arseari.
Charles Rufino (left) in Jimmy D'Aquisto's shop, 1986 Charles Rufino (left) in Jimmy D'Aquisto's shop, 1986 Jimmy D'Aquisto, 1986 Jimmy D'Aquisto, 1986 Jimmy D'Aquisto, 1986
In Jimmy D’Aquisto’s shop, 1986.
Charles Rufino (right) with Carl Becker Becker's workshop      
With Carl Becker Jr. Workshop in the Becker family cabin.      
Page 16 - Restoration of a Guitar by Antonio de Torres, 1875
by D. and F. Sinier de Ridder
The inside soundboard of the 1875 Torres guitar had been lined with up to 5 layers of synthetic cloth. Restored 1875 Torres top Inside of the top of 1875 Torres, before reinforcement cloth is removed. A light shows how thin the top is in places After cloth and glue removed we see extensive damage to bridge patch on 1875 Torres guitar
Close up view of damage to bridge patch of 1875 Torres guitar Template of 1875 Torres with detailed top thicknesses Clamping heated sandbags against the patch. Lower end of soundboard of 1875 Torres guitar before purfling is replaced Tail end view of 1875 Torres top with all patches in place
top view of 1875 Torres guitar with all patches in place Patches are touched up to match the rest of the top of 1875 Torres guitar tuning pegs of 1875 Torres guitar Daniel Sinier (left) and Jerome taking detailed measurements on Torres soundboard  
Page 40 - Meet the Maker: Ken Altman
by January Williams
Double-engine chainsaw Crib designed by Michael Elkan Guitar peg head Briar burl box Maple burl ebony box
Double-engine chainsaw mill in action Crib designed by Michael Elkan
built by Ken Altan
photo by Eric Griswold		   briar burl box maple burl ebony box
Jewelry box made by Ken Altman Canoe made by Ken Altman Cabinet and fiddles made by Ken Altman Cabinet and fiddles made by Ken Altman Ken Altman standing next to a pernambuco tree in Brazil
    Ken made the fiddles and the cabinet. A pernambuco tree on a street in Brazil.
miniature workbench with working vise Ken says: “My mom had a doll-house collection. For a long time, I made her various miniature things, like this workbench with tools, for birthday and Christmas gifts. The vise works. The little C clamps even work!”
sticks Ken showing a couple pieces of wood Emmert pattern vise Emmert pattern vise Violin bow set in gold
    Emmert pattern maker’s vise, turtleback model. A violin bow set in gold. Ken has posted pictures of the bow making process on his website: www.altmanbows.com
bow drill bow drill bow drill bow drill bow drill
Bow drill        
Ken Altman at 2004 GAL Convention Ken Altman at 2004 GAL Conention Ken Altman at 2004 GAL Convention Various planes for guitar making Ken Altman's workbench
Ken’s plane-making workshop at the 2004 GAL Convention.
See AL#89.		    
Page 52 - The Octave Guitar by Peter Rosenbladt

Octave Guitar Bridge (pdf)
Octave Guitar Drawing (pdf)

Top of Page