Official Luthiers Forum!

I have been buying wood to put in the shop and I have quite a selection (WAS).

I heard a LOUD crash a few minutes ago and look what I found:

I know the picture is dark, but it is night time here. This elm tree fell over and got the corner of the roof on the shop. From what I can see right now it doesnt look like it did alot of damage, but I'll know more when I can see better in the morning. I guess it just wanted to be made into a guitar

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Reguards,

Ken H

Man, Ken, how can you be so calm.  I would be up-set, big time. I sure hope the damage is, well, lets see, NONE!

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Elm is a beautiful wood too. It's a shame with so few Elm trees left too...

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"I want to know what kind of pickups Vince Gill uses in his Tele, because if I had those, as good of a player as I am, I'm sure I could make it sound like that.
Only badly."

I live about 20 miles from Fernandina Beach and the Atlantic ocean, so we get afternoon wind storms here occasionally. This was one of those thunder storms that blew in off of the ocean and had some high winds with it. It was pouring down rain also, but I dont see a drop of water in the shop, so it should be ok. I'll saw the tree into lumber and make something out of it :) (I own several portable sawmills)

You are right! Elm is getting rare.  The trunk isnt really big, but I should be able to get some close to quartered pieces out of it to make a few guitars with.

This will be some work that I hadnt planned on, but no need getting upset about it... just make the lemonade out of the lemons!

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Reguards,

Ken H

Good for you, Ken!   

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

It'll make a good story to go along with the guitar that comes out of it. At least you have a good mind set.

             Keep on smilin,       Red

Elm is incredibly rare in the UK..

For all the horticulturalist on the list I guess you could call this "Night Mare on Elm Street"

Glad no major damage done there Ken.

Cheers

Kim

I've seen the term "WAS" in several posts, but do not understand what it means. Could it be "White Anglo Saxon"? or ?????


Ray

Wood Acquisition Syndrome

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A higher purpose for wood.
Rich Smith
Issaquah, WA

If you don't have it yet, Look Out!  Also, get a chastity belt for your wallet, and throw away the key. 

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Yes, I have WAS (Wood Acquisition Syndrome) and I'm pretty sure I got it from hanging around with a suspect bunch of other WAS  infected people on this forum.

This is just another good reason to always make sure you are always protected with a computer condom. You never know when you will get this dreaded and infection of which there is no known cure. One minute you are just having a little fun and the next minute you are wanting to saw up your grandmother's prized dining room table in hope you can make a guitar out of it.

Be safe!!

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Reguards,

Ken H

I've got my sights set on my daughter's antique mahogany framed Gentleman's wardrobe....trouble is, she loves it as the exterior is painted Lilac...

One other thing that you might not know:

There is an International treaty that is now law that says that anyone infected with WAS MUST wear cotton balls on their head when they travel outside of their home or when they are active in any Internet forum or chat session. Just so you are clear that I follow the rules, here is a live webcam picture of my cotton ball hat:

 

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Reguards,

Ken H

I don't know Ken, those "cotton balls" look an awful lot like marshmallows from here. Sure you aren't snacking on your hat?

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Aoibeann

that freaks me out Ken.... But I'll admit I have a very strange Phobia of
cotton... like q-tips, balls, ect. The worst are the ones the dentist shove in
your mouth when you get drilled on...awwwww I'm getting goose bumps..
Cotton balls should be banned in all 50 states..

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John Mayes
http://www.mayesluthier.com

Ken,

Glad everyone is safe and things are ok.

So, what kind of tap tone does your roof have?

Bob K

Sorry if the cotton ball hat scared you. At least I didnt reveal the secret handshake for the WAS society.

Bob, it was a rather loud thud with not much reverberation or sustain. The tree may have a better ring tone though.. I'll have to wait and report on it after it is sawn up.

Thanks all!  Have some fun! It's hot outside and I think the heat is cooking my brain

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Reguards,

Ken H

I use to have 23 Chinese Elms on my property. Baring Elm beatles they grow tall and fast and strong for 20-30 years, but when they start to decay they decay from the middle out and get week quick. I dodged 3 episodes just line this with out any major home or shop damage. But the elm were in there 40's so I got wise and got rid of them.