Category Archives: History

A 17th century “Dutch Plane” – (free plans!)

Posted on April 1, 2018 by

In 1628 the Swedish warship Vasa set out for its maiden voyage. With 64 canons on 2 decks it was the pride of the Swedish marine. But this was shortlived; after only one mile she keeled over, water poored trough … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Projects, Re-enactment, Research, Tools, Uncategorized, Woodworking, Workshop | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Renaissance chisels

Posted on March 1, 2018 by

It’s virtually impossible to make a 100% accurate re-enactment kit. Especially on a low budget. Sandra and I decided to start with a basic set and improve it over time. Replace, add and remove materials, clothes, cutlery, tools and accessories. … Continue reading →

Posted in Events, History, Re-enactment, Research, Think different, Tools, Uncategorized, Woodworking, Workshop | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Building instruments live at the Batavia shipyard…

Posted on February 27, 2018 by

Last weekend my re-enactment season for 2018 started. Along with the bookbinder of “The Paper Unicorn” we’ve been asked to show our crafts at the Batavia Shipyard in Lelystad. The first day we stood at the museum, but we moved … Continue reading →

Posted in Events, History, Lute, Projects, Re-enactment, Research, Think different, Uncategorized, Woodworking | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Stradivarius guitar plans

Posted on January 19, 2018 by

You probably know the name Stradivari as the most famous violin maker that ever lived. But it is lesser known that the great master also made guitars. Only five guitars survived to this day, in museums and private collections around … Continue reading →

Posted in Guitar, Guitar Plans, History, Lectures, Projects, Research, Think different, Uncategorized, Woodworking, Workshop | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Carving along…

Posted on January 3, 2018 by

As you know I am always on the lookout for inspiration. This can literally be found anywhere: nature, books, movies, etc. But works by other craftsmen and -women often prove to be the best examples. Like this “Boerenwagen” (Farmers-wagon) encountered … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Lute, Research, Think different, Tools, Uncategorized, Woodworking, Workshop | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Dollhouses of Death (that changed forensic science).

Posted on December 10, 2017 by

Ok, I already liked dollhouses and dioramas, but this is a whole other league… In the fourties Frances Glessner Lee built dollhouses replicating crime scenes. These instruments were used for training of forensic scientists and police. And now – 70 … Continue reading →

Posted in Documentary, History, Research, Think different, Woodworking | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

De Stradivarius lezing online!

Posted on December 8, 2017 by

Tijdens de afgelopen Gitaarbouwersmeeting in Kootwijkerbroek zijn de lezingen gefilmd. Zo ook mijn stukje over de Stradivarius gitaren! Ik geef deze lezing met enige regelmaat, maar het is nooit twee keer hetzelfde. Voordeel van uit je hoofd werken is dat … Continue reading →

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Buying, Selling and Owning guitars in Elizabethan England

Posted on November 26, 2017 by

Part two of Christopher Page’s Gresham lecture series on the renaissance guitar in England. This time with some wonderful music by Taro Takeuchi

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The Guitar in Tudor London

Posted on October 26, 2017 by

Why is a Renaissance guitar the same as a tenor ukulele? Or are all uke players in reality playing a renaissance guitar?

Find it out in Christopher Page’s new lecture series.:-D Continue reading →

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The sound of an original 17th century guitar…

Posted on October 23, 2017 by

There is something magic in hearing an original baroque guitar or lute being played. Especially because most of them aren’t playable anymore, but resting in collections. Last week this short video was placed online… Taro Takeuchi is one of the … Continue reading →

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