Monthly Archives: January 2016

The making of a Ukulele…

Posted on January 31, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

In 1917 the Ford Motor Co. produced this short educational film called “Making of a Ukulele”. For a luthier movies like this are a rich source of information. Like looking in the kitchen of a chef while he works. Take … Continue reading →

Posted in Documentary, History, Movies, Research, Uncategorized, Woodworking, Workshop | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A candle powered guitar effect…

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

Sometimes things are just so simple, genius and obvious that it’s hard to imagine why nobody thought of it before. This candle powered phaser is one of them… Made with a stirling motor driving an offset disc, that regulates the … Continue reading →

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A pink cookie tin banjo

Posted on January 27, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

Today I finished this little project: A pink “Cookie Tin Banjo”. I’ve always had a weak spot for the banjo. Especially the older open back types, often homemade, fretless and strung with gut. But here on the European continent they are … Continue reading →

Posted in Nonsense, Projects, Research, Think different, Thoughts, Tools, Uncategorized, Woodworking, Workshop | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Pete Seeger

Posted on January 27, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

Today it’s two years ago that Pete Seeger died. Folk singer, banjo player, teacher, activist. You will probably know him from songs like; “Turn, Turn, Turn“, “Guantanamera“, “Where have all the flowers gone?“, “Last night I had the strangest dream” … Continue reading →

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Making waves

Posted on January 26, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

This project is incredible! A frame maker built a reconstruction of a scraping machine to make the intricate patterns found around old paintings. In the clip they say it was based on an engraving in Diderot’s Encyclopedie. But there is … Continue reading →

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A branding iron…

Posted on January 23, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

A part of my personal philosophy is to find a new purpose for old things. So I converted this antique soldering iron into a branding iron… The logo is a combination of three symbols † – Faith ⚓️ – Hope ♥ … Continue reading →

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To become a “Renaissance Man”

Posted on January 21, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

Last October I was a guest at Hernen Castle. A reënactment weekend with groups who specialize in old crafts; bookbinding, tile making, leather- and woodworking, embroidery, cooking, lace making, card weaving and multiple others. It was a wonderful weekend. After … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Projects, Re-enactment, Research, Think different, Tools, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The decorated Spanish Cello

Posted on January 19, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

It’s considered to one of the masterpieces of Antonio Stradivari. The “Bass of Spain” was made in 1696 and is one of only eleven highly decorated instruments the old master made. It was aquired by King Felipe V of Spain in … Continue reading →

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The port of Amsterdam…

Posted on January 17, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

The name of the capital city of the Netherlands is famous and infamous. Some people even seem think it’s a country instead of a city. Famous for its history, museums, monuments and canals. Infamous for being a sort of European … Continue reading →

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Rolf Lislevand playing the 1679 ‘Sabionari’ guitar by Antonio Stradivari

Posted on January 15, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

In recent years the earliest surviving Stradivari guitar has been restored and even brought back into playing condition. It’s the only one of the five existing guitars that is playable. The restoration was carried out by the Sinier de Ridder … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Projects, Research, Uncategorized, Woodworking, Workshop | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments