Hi Greg! What got you into woodworking and lutherie? How long have you been building?
I have usually been into one hobby or another, like home renovations and upholstery. In 2014, I tried building an electric guitar from a kit. I progressed from building that kit, to building the slab body and using a purchased neck, to building the whole instrument.
How do you use Roarockit products to create your bass guitars? Tell us more about the process! How did you find out about us?
I'm intrigued by challenging the same tired old design ideas, and have built some off-the-wall instruments. Over the last few years I've been trying to create modern designs for acoustic bass guitars. I want archtop bodies for strength and volume. Traditionally, the shaped top and bottom panels are carved out of thick slabs. I find this wasteful, not only in time, but in expensive premium quality wood. Laminating the panels from plies of veneer, shaped over a mold is far less wasteful.
Friends of mine run a hobby store in Leaside, and they suggested Roarockit as a source of veneer. I bought a full kit for teardrop longboard decks and a larger bag for bigger projects and started with a couple of decks for my kids. Once comfortable with the process I started making my own archtop molds for guitars and basses.
What are your thoughts on working with our products? Are there any tips you can give to aspiring builders out there?
The one tip that I have is to take care of the sealing strips. Once they are fouled with sawdust, you can't get it off. It's better to keep the veneers, molds and work area clean before unrolling the bag.
Thanks again for your time Greg! If people wanted to find out more about your work, where can they see your creations and contact you?
Contacting me by e-mail is best. 1877gregdow@gmail.com
The builds of several of my creations can be seen on various guitar and bass fora. Anyone who is interested can e-mail me and ask for some of the links.
Taryn O'Grady,
Roarockit Skateboard Company