Official Luthiers Forum!

I went to Tasmania last weekend for a mates birthday.

Had a game of golf Saturday morning followed by a nice seafood lunch with my partner. I then suggested a scenic drive around Launceston. Now Launceston is not a huge place, population around 90,000, so it wasn't too long before I turned to SWMBO and said, "Look Dear, there's Gunns timber yard. I haven't been in there for years. Perhaps I should just drop in for old times sake"

There was a large shed with a sign outside stating "Fine Timbers". Choc a bloc full of Blackwood, King Billy, Celery Top Pine, Myrtle, Sassafras and Huon Pine.

The Blackwood wasn't much chop, mostly slab sawn but the Myrtle and Black Heart Sassafras was great.

You'll be pleased to know that the timber pictured below fits into a golf carry bag.

Moral of the story is don't forget the golf clubs.



Cheers

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Bob Connor
Geelong, Australia

Looks nice Bob. I've been saying to the missus for years that we should have a holiday down in Tassy. She keeps saying we can't afford it - she knows I only want to go there to spend money at places like Gunns

Bob,

Those middle pieces will make great putters - not sure about the small stuff

Nice score

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Dave White
De Faoite Stringed Instruments
". . . the one thing a machine just can't do is give you character and personalities and sometimes that comes with flaws, but it always comes with humanity" Monty Don talking about hand weaving, "Mastercrafts", Weaving, BBC March 2010

WOWWIE ! Bob ! That Sassafras is Beautiful. WHEW !
It's got to be the perfect holiday coming home with that in your bag.
C'mon , spill the beans mate . What else did you get ?


Cheers Craig

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CRAIG LAWRENCE of AUSTRALIA
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Nice boards Bob! You should get several sets from them.

Tim

I'll be in Hobart and Penna for 10 days at the end of September visiting a good friend, Louise Bell who plays in the String Chickens and Coyote Serenade.

Paul - maybe we should organise a 3 or 4 day shopping spree in Tas for a few blokes. Fly into Devonport, Dave and I will take the ute across on the Ferry and we can scour the Northwest coast sawmills, fill up the ute and beat a hasty retreat back to the big island before the wallets are totally decimated.

Dave - you should have seen the face of the girl in the airport when she tried to lug the golf bag on to the conveyer.

Craig - I was only there for a night so I couldn't get any more back on the plane. My folks live in Hobart so I'll be back down there at Christmas. (with a vehicle hehe) I have already been told that Tassie wine will be taking preference over wood. There was a mountain of timber in the Gunn's shed with some particularly nice Myrtle. Unfortunately the King Billy had been sawn and not split so didn't really interest me.

Tim - they were the widest boards there - around 8.5" and luckily had the nicest figure.

Rick - I grew up in Hobart. I'm sure you'll have a ball there. Try and track down Gary Rizzolo. He is building some lovely instruments.

Cheers

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Bob Connor
Geelong, Australia

Stunning wood!!!

Bob, pay a Friday evening visit to the Lark Distillery in Hobart and you'll see Louise and one of her bands. Then pick up some Bush liqueur...