“…and you may ask yourself – well, how did I get here?“
I’ve messed around in, and been around bands – ever since I was a teenager in the 1970’s. Over the years, I’ve mostly played bass, and I’ve recorded and played live in various guises, and at various times along the way. After plenty of different jobs and careers – I finally find I’ve got the experience, resources and time, to try and get to grips with some of the instruments I’ve grown to love over the years. There’s nothing quite like putting an instrument together yourself, and discovering just what makes it sound the way it does.
A workshop, two sheds and a sizeable kitchen table. A background in Fine Art and design, and a decade or so’s experience with various sorts of carpentry and wood finishes. Add to all that, a lifetime’s passion for music, an insatiable creative urge, and a straightforward DIY ethos forged in the days of Punk.
And then there’s another lockdown. Things to do…
By the way – I should also probably mention – I’m not affiliated, in any way, to Fender, Gibson, Martin, or any other brand I mention on this site. People and companies I mention are referred to because I admire their products or advice, and I want to give credit where credit’s due. I don’t get paid for any of this. The guitars I build aren’t, in any way, intended to deceive by means of forgery or other mis-representation. I build these projects because I’m fascinated by the guitar as a machine, and I want to learn all I can about the building of these wonderful designs from the “Golden Age” of guitar design and, in doing so, find out just what makes them so special to own and to play.
LATEST BLOG POSTS
Customised Fender USA “Original ’60’s” Jaguar. Fitting a nut, and stringing
A properly cut bone nut is one of the keys to great tone – but cutting one properly can be a challenge. Even with the right tools and a refined approach – it can take a while. But it’s well worth the effort.
“Mary Kaye” White Blonde Fender Jaguar. Re-fitting the headstock with gold hardware
Swapping out the nickel hardware on a Fender ’65 Re-issue Jaguar neck, for a replacement set, in gold.
Kurt Cobain “Jag-Stang”. Assembly after finishing
I’ve already done a dry-run assembly. So – now that the body has been finished and polished, piecing my JagStang build together again should be an absolute breeze…
“The disgusting stink of a too-loud electric guitar;
Frank Zappa
now that’s my idea of a good time.“
Garageland is where I work when the factories and offices are closed.
Garageland is where I go when the clubs and the pubs and the venues are gone.
Garageland is where I can do it myself. Build it myself. Play it myself. Be myself.
I’m a picker, not a player. I’m a DIY builder, not a luthier. I’m an enthusiast, not a professional.
But I’m always learning…
All content ©Ian Chisnall (IanC/Garageland) 2021
(social links may follow in time –
if I can get my head around it)
