Guitar Making/Luthier Skills

Yesterday I went to see Rik Middleton a local guitar maker from Coventry. I'm currently learning about the process of guitar making and yesterday was a great experience. I learnt about different processes, materials and their sources, equipment/machinery that is needed for the job and lots more. In the afternoon of the day he also showed me how to bend the wood for the sides of the guitar. This process was always something I was interested in learning about and I'm glad I now know how it works. 

Also, visiting Rik has really inspired me to create guitar models on CAD and start building up my workshop equipment so that when I have my own workshop space I will have all the equipment I need to start building and making.

He has also made a book about making a guitar that is available on Amazon and I for sure will be picking up a copy for myself. I look forward to visiting him again next week and learning even more things.

YouTube Video Of The Week! 26/11/13

Right now I am really getting into bands like Pond and Yuck and that is why this week I have chosen a Yuck track (Middle Sea). This video, they have posted straight onto their YouTube account. Great psychedelic guitar sound that I have recently grown to love and proper lose myself in the sound of it all, not to sound like a pretentious nob haha. I think this live version of the track is amazing and really shows off the talent of the band. I imagine these guys along with Pond etc will be great bands to see live and I am just waiting for that chance. Absolute cracker!

Design Of The Fortnight D.O.T.F.

This time around I have decided to talk about a location. The place in particular is The Institute in Birmingham. More specifically, The Library which is the smaller of the two main rooms. I have been to this venue several times and as I think I have stated in the past, it is my favourite place to see bands/artists. The last artist I saw there was Nina Nesbitt (picture below). As you can see I had a terrific view and even though I was on the balcony which is right at the back of the room my view and the sound quality was superb. The layout also is well planned out which I guess is pretty much assumed, with the two bars set either side of the stage and on the main balcony and just below it is room for a merchandise stand still with plenty of room all around for the crowds. Lastly, the style of the venue as a whole is really cool. They keep aspects of the classic look from the outside face of the building but with added modern features where you would want them. Great venue, if you are close to Birmingham go listen to some music and see some great design. 

YouTube Video Of The Week! 19/11/13

This week has been a bit of a tough one for deciding which video to choose. I have watched lots of different songs and different styles but none in particular have jumped out at me.

I then remembered about a singer I saw supporting KT Tunstall at her recent Symphony Hall performance. The man himself is Billy Lockett and the song is Pathways. A nice acoustic number that definately got me excited for the main act. This track is the best one from him that I have heard so far. Play that song!

YouTube Video Of The Week! 12/11/13

Well late last week I found out that Tribes are splitting up. I have really enjoyed the bands two albums and will miss the music they produce. So in a tribute my video of the week is How The Other Half Live from the bands second album. Great song with a catchy guitar hook and killer lyrics.

 

Design Of The Fortnight D.O.T.F.

This fortnight I would like to talk about a certain poster design team I have stumbled upon whilst browsing the web. They are called Horse and they are a team that are based in Liverpool. They focus on creating imagery for music that inspires and drives them. They have created many gig posters and album covers. For more info, click this link: http://www.youresomehorse.com/ 

After checking out a lot of their work there doesn't seem to be anything I don't like but I have chosen the style I like the most. It is simple, only using a few colours and I think that is the most effective kind of gig poster in my eyes. When I get a place of my own I am for sure going to have some of these on the wall.

          

YouTube Video Of The Week! 04/11/13

This weeks choice was a close call between two videos but I have decided to go with Radiator Hospital. It is from a live session from Maggot House Records.This is for sure another song that you can really hear the emotion he is putting into the lyrics and that is only one of the points why I love this song. Great guitar playing and his overall style to me really has hints of The Tallest Man On Earth, so if you like this guy check out him. He also has another song on YouTube from the same live session. Give it a look.