Tie-Block "Thingy"

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Tie-Block "Thingy"

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Gecko

Posts: 218
Joined: Jan. 2 2006
From: New Mexico

Tie-Block "Thingy"

As we all know “thingy” is the technical term for the decorative piece seen on the top of some tie-blocks.

The top of the bridge tie-block on the old negra project guitar I’m working on has been pretty scared up over the years. I want to fill the scars, sand it smooth and add a little decoration and protection to it similar to the one pictured below.

I have searched and searched for something to do this with. I have looked at bindings, purfling, backstrap material, etc, but nothing is wide enough. I need something at least 1/2” (1.3cm) wide. I’m not overly concerned about thickness as I should be able to thin it without too much effort.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 20 2006 11:46:16

Escribano

Posts: 6415
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy

RE: Tie-Block "Thingy" (in reply to Gecko)

It is animal bone - you can buy plain blanks from luthiery suppliers. You could inset one inside a frame cut out of another with a jeweler's saw, with a thin piece of dyed material in between for contrast, or mount a strip of thin wood front and back as is often seen.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 20 2006 14:24:31

Guest

RE: Tie-Block "Thingy" (in reply to Gecko)

Or buy one of these factory thingies as the one on the picture and simply glue it on.

I havent got any adresses

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 20 2006 15:13:21

TANúñez

Posts: 2559
Joined: Jul. 10 2003
From: TEXAS

RE: Tie-Block "Thingy" (in reply to Gecko)

It's called tieblock inlay. Like Simon said, it's installed between two strips of bone. L.M.I. sells them but unfortunately they match a few of their rosettes so it might look odd on your guitar because your rosette is probably different.

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www.instagram.com/tanunezguitars

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 20 2006 17:11:19

Gecko

Posts: 218
Joined: Jan. 2 2006
From: New Mexico

RE: Tie-Block "Thingy" (in reply to TANúñez)

quote:

ORIGINAL: El Zurdo

.....so it might look odd on your guitar because your rosette is probably different.

Tom:

Thanks. Everything on this old guitar, while not necessarily looking odd, will look - lets say, "special," maybe even "very poor gypsy" when I'm done!

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions!!!!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 20 2006 18:00:20

Guest

RE: Tie-Block "Thingy" (in reply to Gecko)

Just leave the middle natural, surrounded by bone. (The bone is not a decoration, it is a protection).

Anders, why don´t you finish all your bridges by connecting up the bones in a rectangle? Unnecessary, I know, but prettier?

Sean

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 20 2006 20:38:13

JBASHORUN

Posts: 1839
Joined: Jan. 23 2005

RE: Tie-Block "Thingy" (in reply to TANúñez)

quote:

It's called tieblock inlay

Also sometimes called a tieblock "mosaic" due to the fact that it is made up of small squares of veneer. These inlays are made in a very similar way to rosettes. glue layers of different coloured veneer together; slice off strips; arrange the strips in order to form one square of the pattern; glue the strips in place; cut sections off the block to fit as required.

See link:

http://www.sempleguitars.com/making/rosetmkg.htm

Its even easier on a tieblock because its rectangular, whereas on rosettes you have to worry about the curvature to form a circle. plus, you'd only need a small amount.

If you really wanted to make the guitar "special" you could design your own pattern and make it.

But its not as easy as it sounds, and if its just one of those "throw-away" guitars, it would be much easier to buy one from LMI or StewMac, if available. I believe they are fairly cheap anyway.

Jb

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 20 2006 22:20:40

Guest

RE: Tie-Block "Thingy" (in reply to Guest)

quote:

Anders, why don´t you finish all your bridges by connecting up the bones in a rectangle? Unnecessary, I know, but prettier?

Because I dont think it looks prettier

I like the simple austere look. I like Blancas without side purling and without head stripes, But I build with it if someone wants it.
Negras I like a bit more "funky"

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 21 2006 7:27:35