Hullah Bouzouki - anyone got one?

Subject: Hullah Bouzouki - anyone got one?
From: Stu
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 06:13 AM

I've got a Hullah I've been very happy with for years, but recently a friend noticed a bulge in the soundboard underneath the bridge (which is fixed and the strings attach there via pegs) at the bottom end towards the tailpiece.

I've never noticed this before, but everyone I ask says the soundboard should be flat all over with no bulges anywhere. Thing is, I've never noticed this but then I do play it every day and if it's happened incrementally I might not notice it. Of course, perhaps it's supposed to be there - part of the design.

I have tried contacting John Hullah, but his phone doesn't accept incoming calls, and I know he stopped making instruments some years ago.

If any one has one, could they have a look and post back?

stigWeard

Subject: RE: Hullah Bouzouki - anyone got one?
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 07:20 AM

Try emailing Tony Sullivan [ Halshaw Music ], John Hullah used to make Sullys instruments, so Sully might be able to help.

eric

Subject: RE: Hullah Bouzouki - anyone got one?
From: mandotim
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 07:54 AM

Hi! I've played quite a few Hullahs; nice instruments. What sort of a bridge does it have? It sounds like a common problem with stringed instruments; the 'pull' of the strings over time raises a bulge behind the bridge. This used to be a big job, but there is now a quick and cheap cure; a thing called a 'bridge doctor' produced by Stewart MacDonald luthier supplies in the USA. I've just repaired the same fault in my Rob Armstrong mandocello using this gadget, and it really does work. Link here . PM me if you want more info, but it sounds like this might do the trick. Until then, think about lighter strings or dropping the tuning a little. Hope this helps.
Tim

Subject: RE: Hullah Bouzouki - anyone got one?
From: Stu
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 09:49 AM

Bugger. Sounds like a bulge then.

I got the zook of Sully some years ago, but I know a repairer anyway so I'll get him to have a look at it.

The bridge is fixed and about 6 inches up from the tail piece. The strings are atttached here by pegs, it looks broadly similar to the middle zook on this page.

It isn't a huge bulge, but obviously noticeable (although as I said, I missed it) and I guess it needs mending. I was just about to put heavier strings on it as it has a buzz on the G strings (unison) that's really annoying me - I want to get nice clean bass notes on runs up the board.

"think about lighter strings or dropping the tuning a little" Arrrggghhh! Would putting lighter strings on make the buzz worse? As for dropping the tuning, what would I drop it to? Would I have to relearn all my chords.

Woe is me!