Karl Derrick

Fabreze

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OVAL-electric-guitar-FLUSH-jack-plate-NEW-UK-stock-LP-TL-all-colours-/122073274526?var=&hash=item1c6c22589e:m:myR-y26FIjIj_IGypYYThkw Any good?

Le Freak C'est Chic!

Jack's Instrument Service, Manchester. http://www.jacksinstrumentservices.com/ Used Jack lots. Brilliant. Karl

I've had great success getting replacement/new guards from Jack at Jack's instrument services in Manchester. http://jacksinstrumentservices.com He'll work from a card template, rather than the original guard if you don't want to send it. He also has a nice selection of really nice sheet materials to choose from and is great to deal with. He has a 3 ply cream pearl here: http://jacksinstrumentservices.com/custom-scratchplate-cutting.html#colours He will also cut you a guard from material you supply if you want something unique, or even a vinyI record album! I use him a lot. If you're sending a template, make sure it's on something firm. I actually use 1mm sheet styrene for mine, as I can tweak and sand the edges to get it perfect. Mark the centres on all your screws and remove the cutouts for pickups etc. Write on it which edges you want bevelled,etc. The guard you get back will be as accurate as the template you supply. Karl Karl

Lighter fluid (Naptha) is best. It's volatile, so won't stay on the surface more than a few seconds and leaves no residue. Squirt some in an egg cup, wrap a clean rag round your finger and just dip the tip into the fluid, then rub the wetted rag on the fretboard. You can 'pull' the dirt to the middle of each section and 'lift' it off the surface. I use this method when cleaning rare and vintage bodies and necks. Karl

My first Kubicki Ex Factor. Been trying to replace it ever since I stupidly sold it. Still am.........

Peterson Strobo clip, by a long chalk. Brilliant piece of kit.

Another Kubicki Ex Factor... Karl

Someone once said Quo are the only band to become their own tribute act

I have Jack's great to deal with and they have a huge range of sheet materials in stock. They've done some tricky work for me and I've always been happy. Website: www.jacksinstrumentservices.com Email: [email protected] Phone: 0770 682 8122 Karl

I use raw Linseed oil. K

I don't use Lemon Oil myself. Linseed oil I find best for Rosewood boards. Apply generously with a clean rag then wipe all of it off immediately, the wood will take up what it needs. You shouldn't feel any oil on the fretboard afterwards. Karl

Does anyone have any current contact information then? Cheers, Karl

I'm trying to contact Mike Haney, The Guitar Doctor. We were in touch in the past, but none of the old emails seem to work. He's a US based luthier and is well known for being the best Kubicki bass repair bloke. Has anyone here been in touch recently? Many thanks, Karl

It's a work o fart

I'm very lukewarm on it. It doesn't have any flow as a design. Just looks like he covered it in Superglue and dipped it in the brass bits barrel. I've got a Steampunk bass in the works myself. Based on a Hofner Violin bass, because it's already 'Edwardian' looking... The main priority should be retaining it as a playing instrument or, as Pete Young said, it's a piece of hanging art. Karl

It's a problem with thin material and heavy instruments, which is why I double up the leather thickness and stitch it together at the button holes on my bass straps. Karl

Thanks you guys. I may build more, but they take a lot of time.... I can also 'Rat' an existing bass or guitar. Karl

Here's a pic showing the four very different pieces the body is made from, and the quality of the cracking on the leather. I think I'll try and make a strap from the cracked leather. Perhaps a panel in the middle of a strap rather than the whole thing..... Karl [attachment=205833:Iso.jpg]