Thoughts on the Subject of Iboney
Early in 1996 we began to
realize that an important component of success in the guitar
retail industry is service -- the ability to service what
we sell as well as improve the guitar that everyone else is
selling. A major mistake of the high-volume guitar manufacturers
is not placing high-quality bone or ivory nuts and saddles
on their acoustic or electric quitars. Even Fender®,
one of the largest names in the industry, places plastic nuts
on their American Standard StratsTM models -- it
is also one of the reasons why there will always be a market
for fine, handmade instruments crafted from time-tested materials.
Iboney is refined, machined
and tempered cowbone whose vibrational transmision properties
rival that of any synthetic material (including Tusq). Medium-sized
guitar manufacturers such as Larrivee® and Taylor®
have refused to use it because of the time factor in final
fitting but also because of the SMELL during machine sanding
and cutting.
Iboney finishes like ivory
but in a little more vintage cream color. One can add just
a little skim of Johnson's® Paste WaxTM
for even a darker vintage color and for lubrication in the
string grooves of a guitar nut.
Iboney is relatively inexpensive
compared to prices quoted in all of the common luthier supply
catalogs for inferior grade bone. A free sample will be sent
upon request -- please specify thickness and length. Maximum
thickness is 5/16", minimum thickness is 3/32" Maximum 1"
tall and a little over 5" long. One of my major customers
builds dobros, which require a 1/4" X 1" nut blank.
Due to serious lung infections
caused by breathing the bone dust, I am just Ibonizing water
buffalo bone procured from Fossil Ivory King. This highest
quality Iboney is exclusively available through L.M.I. --Ask
for it by name.
May the tone quality of your
next guitar be maximized!!
Pete
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