Geni Swing Guitars

Fret Wire

Having owned and played guitars for over twenty five years I have owned lots and lots of different makes and models of guitars, some good, some awful but the acoustic slide weissenborn still fascinates me quite beyond comparison. Why is that? Well, the sound is really quite like nothing at all, nothing compares. These guitars stand up, make a statement, "Here I am, I'm different, play me if you can, I'm a sonofabitch to learn but if you can get your head round this, then I will sing for you and make your days happy!"

Think I'm joking? go and try one, you will see what I mean...then after you have made a goose of yourself in the music shop, go down the road and buy a Jeff Lang cd or Bob Brozman album and just check those dudes out!!! Humbling or what?

I must say I had my eyes on some really top level guitars over the years and I reasoned "Well, there is only a pound or two of timber in there, surely?" How come they are three grand? Well, it is the knowledge that hundreds of Luthiers have passed down over the years that gives these things the tags they have isn't that right? However, I did read a book on inlaying and in there was a bit about how extensively that the millionth Martin was inlaid...Wait a minute. a MILLION Martins? Inlaid with a computer?? Whoa, that's not exactly painstakingly hand crafted is it..that's mass production more like...so how come they are still three grand a piece??? Surely mass production makes things a lot cheaper, don't it?

Is it me or is there something not quite right here? Well, dont get me wrong here, most modern guitars are factory made and to be honest there cannot be much difference in the technique for making these guitars in the factory, can there? Ok that leaves only a couple of things, the material quality, better fret wire, better machine heads, better timber..aha, the timber. But surely that cant make it a couple or three grand difference between a production Ashton or a series seven Taylor? Ok so the cheaper ones use ply, we know that!!

Ok, the name maybe..could be a big part of it? When I decided to build my Weissenborn, I decided to get some really good quality timber, Australian Maple, but boys and girls, it wasn't a grand.. I wont say how much, but it was even cut to size and thickness for me! Labour, makes up a lot in the price, of course, for a hand made non- factory guitar, and it makes a huge difference to the cost these days. So what if your time is free?

Well, we could argue for hours about all the differing factors,but in the end in fact, it really does pay to make an effort and build your own guitar. I started off with a weissenborn because quite honestly, the fretboard spacings are nowhere near as critical as a normal fingered acoustic guitar...so its a good one to start with!

I did discover something when I had finished my guitar that when I put my GOTOH machine heads onto the guitar it is really critical to have them tightened up as much as is practical.They are not the best machine heads but are acceptable for the job. After all, the machine head post really is one of the only things that transmit those vibrations down the headstock of the guitar. I actually didnt realise it but I allowed the machine head nuts to loosen without realising it. Naturally, they need to bed in to the timber and once it is squashed down somewhat, the machine heads inevitably loosen up. I had begun to wonder why the guitar sound and brightness had 'gone off' I mistakenly thought it was the strings getting a bit older but when I tightened up the machine head nuts the guitar sprang into life again... it honestly sounded like a different guitar. So, if you do have a guitar that you have played for a while and its 'gone off' replace the strings and while you are at it tighten up those machine heads and fixing screws! You may be in for a bit of a shock!

If you want to see and hear my finished guitar go to the site http://www.buildaweissenborn.com and have a look at my baby there!

Terry Buddell is a freelance journalist and a Marine surveyor, boat designer and shipwright, He lives on board his yacht "The Nicky J Miller' that he built himself on The Gold Coast Australia and sailed his yacht up to the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. He is currently resident in Gladstone Queensland where he is building another boat for his collection of plans for sale on the internet. In his spare time(what spare time??) Terry, a keen guitarist has also built a Weissenborn lap steel guitar! Pictures for the guitar can be viewed on the website below. ! Terry can be contacted on arcus1@bigpond.com or http://www.dolphinboatplans.com

Fender Vintage Guitar Fret Wire $12.99 Fender Vintage Guitar Fret Wire

Fender Standard Guitar Fret Wire / 24pcs $9.99 Fender Standard Guitar Fret Wire / 24pcs

Fender Standard Guitar Fret Wire / 24Pcs $9.99 Fender Standard Guitar Fret Wire / 24pcs

Allparts Lt0463-000 2Ft Jumbo Fret Wire $4 In Store Clearance ALLPARTS LT0463-000 2FT JUMBO FRET WIRE

Fender Vintage Bass Fret Wire (24) $12.99 Vintage-style nickel silver fret wire for Fender basses. 24 precut pieces.

Don't Fret $12.49 Don't Fret

Fretlord Fret OptiX Color LED Module for Fretmarker Light Blue $9.99 Fretlord's Fret OptiX system illuminates your fret board position markers with LED light. This LED module enables quick color changes and works with your existing fiber optic cable. One LED provides up to 12 points of light across a single fiber optic.Each high output LED module is powered by (1-2) replaceable lithium coin cell batteries (included) with up to 20 hours of battery life. (Color specific)How to determine your scale length:Measure the distance from the fret board side of the nut to the middle of the 12th fret wire. DO NOT include the nut. (This distance in inches x2 equals the scale length of your fret board ) Ex. 17" x 2 =34"Red fiber optic lightEasy Peel & Stick FiberTransparentDesigned by a GuitaristMicro Size DiameterFits 19 to 24 Fret Lengths (9-12 Markers) Scale SpecificPre-Sized For Guitars & Basses

Fretlord Fret OptiX Color LED Module for Fretmarker Light White $9.99 Fretlord's Fret OptiX system illuminates your fret board position markers with LED light. This LED module enables quick color changes and works with your existing fiber optic cable. One LED provides up to 12 points of light across a single fiber optic.Each high output LED module is powered by (1-2) replaceable lithium coin cell batteries (included) with up to 20 hours of battery life. (Color specific)How to determine your scale length:Measure the distance from the fret board side of the nut to the middle of the 12th fret wire. DO NOT include the nut. (This distance in inches x2 equals the scale length of your fret board ) Ex. 17" x 2 =34"Red fiber optic lightEasy Peel & Stick FiberTransparentDesigned by a GuitaristMicro Size DiameterFits 19 to 24 Fret Lengths (9-12 Markers) Scale SpecificPre-Sized For Guitars & Basses

Fretlord Fret OptiX Color LED Module for Fretmarker Light Green $9.99 Fretlord's Fret OptiX system illuminates your fret board position markers with LED light. This LED module enables quick color changes and works with your existing fiber optic cable. One LED provides up to 12 points of light across a single fiber optic.Each high output LED module is powered by (1-2) replaceable lithium coin cell batteries (included) with up to 20 hours of battery life. (Color specific)How to determine your scale length:Measure the distance from the fret board side of the nut to the middle of the 12th fret wire. DO NOT include the nut. (This distance in inches x2 equals the scale length of your fret board ) Ex. 17" x 2 =34"Red fiber optic lightEasy Peel & Stick FiberTransparentDesigned by a GuitaristMicro Size DiameterFits 19 to 24 Fret Lengths (9-12 Markers) Scale SpecificPre-Sized For Guitars & Basses

Fretlord Fret OptiX Color LED Module for Fretmarker Light Multi-Color $9.99 Fretlord's Fret OptiX system illuminates your fret board position markers with LED light. This LED module enables quick color changes and works with your existing fiber optic cable. One LED provides up to 12 points of light across a single fiber optic.Each high output LED module is powered by (1-2) replaceable lithium coin cell batteries (included) with up to 20 hours of battery life. (Color specific)How to determine your scale length:Measure the distance from the fret board side of the nut to the middle of the 12th fret wire. DO NOT include the nut. (This distance in inches x2 equals the scale length of your fret board ) Ex. 17" x 2 =34"Red fiber optic lightEasy Peel & Stick FiberTransparentDesigned by a GuitaristMicro Size DiameterFits 19 to 24 Fret Lengths (9-12 Markers) Scale SpecificPre-Sized For Guitars & Basses

Fretlord Fret Optix Color Led Module For Fretmarker Light White $9.99 Fretlord's Fret OptiX system illuminates your fret board position markers with LED light. This LED module enables quick color changes and works with your existing fiber optic cable. One LED provides up to 12 points of light across a single fiber optic.Each high output LED module is powered by (1-2) replaceable lithium coin cell batteries (included) with up to 20 hours of battery life. (Color specific)How to determine your scale length:Measure the distance from the fret board side of the nut to the middle of the 12th fret wire. DO NOT include the nut. (This distance in inches x2 equals the scale length of your fret board ) Ex. 17" x 2 =34"Red fiber optic lightEasy Peel & Stick FiberTransparentDesigned by a GuitaristMicro Size DiameterFits 19 to 24 Fret Lengths (9-12 Markers) Scale SpecificPre-Sized For Guitars & Basses

Fretlord Fret Optix Color Led Module For Fretmarker Light Multi-Color $9.99 Fretlord's Fret OptiX system illuminates your fret board position markers with LED light. This LED module enables quick color changes and works with your existing fiber optic cable. One LED provides up to 12 points of light across a single fiber optic.Each high output LED module is powered by (1-2) replaceable lithium coin cell batteries (included) with up to 20 hours of battery life. (Color specific)How to determine your scale length:Measure the distance from the fret board side of the nut to the middle of the 12th fret wire. DO NOT include the nut. (This distance in inches x2 equals the scale length of your fret board ) Ex. 17" x 2 =34"Red fiber optic lightEasy Peel & Stick FiberTransparentDesigned by a GuitaristMicro Size DiameterFits 19 to 24 Fret Lengths (9-12 Markers) Scale SpecificPre-Sized For Guitars & Basses

Fretlord Fret Optix Color Led Module For Fretmarker Light Green $9.99 Fretlord's Fret OptiX system illuminates your fret board position markers with LED light. This LED module enables quick color changes and works with your existing fiber optic cable. One LED provides up to 12 points of light across a single fiber optic.Each high output LED module is powered by (1-2) replaceable lithium coin cell batteries (included) with up to 20 hours of battery life. (Color specific)How to determine your scale length:Measure the distance from the fret board side of the nut to the middle of the 12th fret wire. DO NOT include the nut. (This distance in inches x2 equals the scale length of your fret board ) Ex. 17" x 2 =34"Red fiber optic lightEasy Peel & Stick FiberTransparentDesigned by a GuitaristMicro Size DiameterFits 19 to 24 Fret Lengths (9-12 Markers) Scale SpecificPre-Sized For Guitars & Basses

Fretlord Fret Optix Color Led Module For Fretmarker Light Blue $9.99 Fretlord's Fret OptiX system illuminates your fret board position markers with LED light. This LED module enables quick color changes and works with your existing fiber optic cable. One LED provides up to 12 points of light across a single fiber optic.Each high output LED module is powered by (1-2) replaceable lithium coin cell batteries (included) with up to 20 hours of battery life. (Color specific)How to determine your scale length:Measure the distance from the fret board side of the nut to the middle of the 12th fret wire. DO NOT include the nut. (This distance in inches x2 equals the scale length of your fret board ) Ex. 17" x 2 =34"Red fiber optic lightEasy Peel & Stick FiberTransparentDesigned by a GuitaristMicro Size DiameterFits 19 to 24 Fret Lengths (9-12 Markers) Scale SpecificPre-Sized For Guitars & Basses

Fretlord Fret OptiX Guitar Fretmarker Light Red 24.5 In Scale $19.99 Fretlord's Fret OptiX are fiber optically illuminated LED fret board position markers for your guitar.Simple peel and stick fiber optic along the top side binding on guitar or bass up to 24 fret scales with no modifications. Fret Optix's Lithium Coin Cell operated and interchangeable LED color light modules inconspicuously mount behind the headstock.One LED provides up to 12 points of light across a single fiber optic.Each high output LED module is powered by (1-2) replaceable lithium coin cell batteries (included) with up to 20 hours of battery life. (Color specific)How to determine your scale length:Measure the distance from the guitar's fret board side of the nut to the middle of the 12th fret wire. DO NOT include the nut. (This distance in inches x2 equals the scale length of your fret board ) Ex. 17" x 2 =34"Red fiber optic lightEasy Peel & Stick FiberTransparentDesigned by a GuitaristMicro Size DiameterFits 19 to 24 Fret Lengths (9-12 Markers) Scale SpecificPre-Sized For Guitars

Fretlord Fret OptiX Bass Fretmarker Light Red 34 In Scale $19.99 Fretlord's Fret OptiX are fiber optically illuminated LED fret board position markers for bass guitar.Simple peel and stick the fiber optic along the top side binding on guitar or bass up to 24 fret scales with no modifications. Fret Optix's Lithium Coin Cell operated and interchangeable LED color light modules inconspicuously mount behind the headstock.One LED provides up to 12 points of light across a single fiber optic.Each high output LED module is powered by (1-2) replaceable lithium coin cell batteries (included) with up to 20 hours of battery life. (Color specific)How to determine your scale length:Measure the distance from the fret board side of the nut to the middle of the 12th fret wire. DO NOT include the nut. (This distance in inches x2 equals the scale length of your fret board ) Ex. 17" x 2 =34"Fiber optic lightEasy Peel & Stick FiberTransparentDesigned by a GuitaristMicro Size DiameterFits 19 to 24 Fret Lengths (9-12 Markers) Scale SpecificPre-Sized For Basses

Fretlord Fret OptiX Guitar Fretmarker Light Red 25.5 In Scale $19.99 Fretlord's Fret OptiX are fiber optically illuminated LED fret board position markers for your guitar.Simple peel and stick fiber optic along the top side binding on guitar or bass up to 24 fret scales with no modifications. Fret Optix's Lithium Coin Cell operated and interchangeable LED color light modules inconspicuously mount behind the headstock.One LED provides up to 12 points of light across a single fiber optic.Each high output LED module is powered by (1-2) replaceable lithium coin cell batteries (included) with up to 20 hours of battery life. (Color specific)How to determine your scale length:Measure the distance from the guitar's fret board side of the nut to the middle of the 12th fret wire. DO NOT include the nut. (This distance in inches x2 equals the scale length of your fret board ) Ex. 17" x 2 =34"Red fiber optic lightEasy Peel & Stick FiberTransparentDesigned by a GuitaristMicro Size DiameterFits 19 to 24 Fret Lengths (9-12 Markers) Scale SpecificPre-Sized For Guitars

Fretlord Fret Optix Bass Fretmarker Light Blue 35 In Scale $19.99 Fretlord's Fret OptiX are fiber optically illuminated LED fret board position markers for bass guitar.Simple peel and stick the fiber optic along the top side binding on guitar or bass up to 24 fret scales with no modifications. Fret Optix's Lithium Coin Cell operated and interchangeable LED color light modules inconspicuously mount behind the headstock.One LED provides up to 12 points of light across a single fiber optic.Each high output LED module is powered by (1-2) replaceable lithium coin cell batteries (included) with up to 20 hours of battery life. (Color specific)How to determine your scale length:Measure the distance from the fret board side of the nut to the middle of the 12th fret wire. DO NOT include the nut. (This distance in inches x2 equals the scale length of your fret board ) Ex. 17" x 2 =34"Fiber optic lightEasy Peel & Stick FiberTransparentDesigned by a GuitaristMicro Size DiameterFits 19 to 24 Fret Lengths (9-12 Markers) Scale SpecificPre-Sized For Basses

Fretlord Fret Optix Bass Fretmarker Light Red 34 In Scale $19.99 Fretlord's Fret OptiX are fiber optically illuminated LED fret board position markers for bass guitar.Simple peel and stick the fiber optic along the top side binding on guitar or bass up to 24 fret scales with no modifications. Fret Optix's Lithium Coin Cell operated and interchangeable LED color light modules inconspicuously mount behind the headstock.One LED provides up to 12 points of light across a single fiber optic.Each high output LED module is powered by (1-2) replaceable lithium coin cell batteries (included) with up to 20 hours of battery life. (Color specific)How to determine your scale length:Measure the distance from the fret board side of the nut to the middle of the 12th fret wire. DO NOT include the nut. (This distance in inches x2 equals the scale length of your fret board ) Ex. 17" x 2 =34"Fiber optic lightEasy Peel & Stick FiberTransparentDesigned by a GuitaristMicro Size DiameterFits 19 to 24 Fret Lengths (9-12 Markers) Scale SpecificPre-Sized For Basses

Fretlord Fret Optix Guitar Fretmarker Light Red 24.5 In Scale $19.99 Fretlord's Fret OptiX are fiber optically illuminated LED fret board position markers for your guitar.Simple peel and stick fiber optic along the top side binding on guitar or bass up to 24 fret scales with no modifications. Fret Optix's Lithium Coin Cell operated and interchangeable LED color light modules inconspicuously mount behind the headstock.One LED provides up to 12 points of light across a single fiber optic.Each high output LED module is powered by (1-2) replaceable lithium coin cell batteries (included) with up to 20 hours of battery life. (Color specific)How to determine your scale length:Measure the distance from the guitar's fret board side of the nut to the middle of the 12th fret wire. DO NOT include the nut. (This distance in inches x2 equals the scale length of your fret board ) Ex. 17" x 2 =34"Red fiber optic lightEasy Peel & Stick FiberTransparentDesigned by a GuitaristMicro Size DiameterFits 19 to 24 Fret Lengths (9-12 Markers) Scale SpecificPre-Sized For Guitars

Fretlord Fret Optix Guitar Fretmarker Light Red 25.5 In Scale $19.99 Fretlord's Fret OptiX are fiber optically illuminated LED fret board position markers for your guitar.Simple peel and stick fiber optic along the top side binding on guitar or bass up to 24 fret scales with no modifications. Fret Optix's Lithium Coin Cell operated and interchangeable LED color light modules inconspicuously mount behind the headstock.One LED provides up to 12 points of light across a single fiber optic.Each high output LED module is powered by (1-2) replaceable lithium coin cell batteries (included) with up to 20 hours of battery life. (Color specific)How to determine your scale length:Measure the distance from the guitar's fret board side of the nut to the middle of the 12th fret wire. DO NOT include the nut. (This distance in inches x2 equals the scale length of your fret board ) Ex. 17" x 2 =34"Red fiber optic lightEasy Peel & Stick FiberTransparentDesigned by a GuitaristMicro Size DiameterFits 19 to 24 Fret Lengths (9-12 Markers) Scale SpecificPre-Sized For Guitars

Fretlord Fret OptiX Bass Fretmarker Light Blue 35 In Scale $19.99 Fretlord's Fret OptiX are fiber optically illuminated LED fret board position markers for bass guitar.Simple peel and stick the fiber optic along the top side binding on guitar or bass up to 24 fret scales with no modifications. Fret Optix's Lithium Coin Cell operated and interchangeable LED color light modules inconspicuously mount behind the headstock.One LED provides up to 12 points of light across a single fiber optic.Each high output LED module is powered by (1-2) replaceable lithium coin cell batteries (included) with up to 20 hours of battery life. (Color specific)How to determine your scale length:Measure the distance from the fret board side of the nut to the middle of the 12th fret wire. DO NOT include the nut. (This distance in inches x2 equals the scale length of your fret board ) Ex. 17" x 2 =34"

Big Bends Fret Board Juice Fret Board Conditioner $4.74 Big Bends Fret Board Juice Fret Board Conditioner

Planet Waves Fret Polishing System $5.99 Planet Waves Fret Polishing System

GHS Fast-Fret String Cleaner $5.99 GHS Fast-Fret String Cleaner

Ghs Fast-Fret String Cleaner $6.29 GHS Fast-Fret String Cleaner