Michael J King, Luthier

Tuesday, 23 January 2018

Michael King electric uke demo 1

As a follow up I recently found the same Ash bodied instrument featured on my blog for sale on Reverb (now sold)

https://reverb.com/item/5592474-michael-j-king-electric-soprano-ukulele#&gid=1&pid=1

It's rare and nice when I get to see these instruments further down their journey and how they are maturing. This instrument has been gigged but is in otherwise great condition, small amounts of wear and tear add to the character over time.

Thursday, 30 November 2017

Oatmeal/Porridge, easy no-Cook, no-mess method (Vegan/Dairy-free)

Oats and Banana Breakfast, Vegan, Dairy free and Low GI

I have used this recipe with unlimited variation, using seasonal fruit and different nuts, seeds and natural extras for the last 10 years.

With each item we add to this recipe we are adding more nutrition and variability to our diet and health.

This is a breakfast that is low Glycemic index and will keep you filled all morning without hunger pangs. but it isn’t as super sweet as commercial breakfast cereals, The fruit and banana provide the sweetness. When you pour on boiling water to oats you get a creaminess.

But if you really need it sweeter then try chopped dates. These are really sweet but not Low GI.

if you use them to combine them with some pecan nuts in this mix as they are a great combination.

Another option is to add a spoon of maple syrup

My suggestion is to try to adapt to lees added sugar as there are many benefits to health.

Ingredient list

OATS: ½ cup of steel cut /rolled oats. I use Scots or Irish grown oats.

Dried fruit: raisins, sultanas, Currents are a good choice as they have a lower GI

Nuts and seeds: alternate the mix, Pumpkin, Sunflower, sesame, pecan, hazelnut, walnut for example

Banana: choose semi-ripe for lower GI and sustained release, this is chopped to provide sweetness.

Linseed or Chia seed: These are best milled and ground to be easily absorbed, either purchased ready milled or use a coffee grinder

Blueberries: My favorite fruit topping.

Cinnamon: A teaspoon on top adds a nice warmth to the breakfast. There are many benefits fo adding cinnamon to your diet

How to make

This method does not create extra washing up, you don't have to watch it, just fill the kettle up and switch it on, pour in the dry ingredients, add a chopped semi-ripe banana and pour on the boiling water and cover with a plate or bow,

This method slow cooks itself,

just leave for 10-15 minutes.

Good time to:

• Do some Yoga

• Fitness routine,

• Meditate,

• Read a book

Add blueberries and cinnamon or some other topping if desired,

Avoiding Microwave cookers that make food less nutritional, Stove top cooking that requires watching and washing up.

Extras/alternatives you can add:

Apple: sliced and cooked with the oats instead of Banana

Coconut: Dried or fresh coconut.

Maca: Powders root

Cocoa nibs:

Chia seed

Extra plant Protein: If you are using this as a post-workout breakfast then you can add extra protein in the form of Almond powder, hemp protein or extra nuts

Nuts: Brazil nuts, Macadamia nuts,

Goji Berries:

Seasonal fruits, raspberries, Redcurrents, mulberries,

Experiment, keep things varied and enjoy

Best wishes

Michael J King

Saturday, 21 October 2017

Tha mi sgith - Nordic Lyre, Celtic Harp & Welsh Crwth

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I will be making more Crwths next year, My Listing is here on etsy

Saturday, 30 September 2017

Anglo Saxon Lyre kits available to order

Hi,

Just an update to say I have Anglo Saxon Lyre kits available to order once again,

These are easier to assemble now, with the soundboard sanded to thickness and cut to shape. Only gluing, sanding, varnishing and stringing up to do.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/544968660/anglo-saxon-lyre-kit-make-your-own-lyre?ref=shop_home_active_1

The standard kit has Fluorocarbon Strings and Zither pins for easy fitting

with options to upgrade to tapered harp pins or Wooden Pegs in the Sutton Hoo Style

Gut strings also if preferred.

The kits will each be prepared to order, (will usually be around 5-6 weeks to delivery)

Putting together one of these will be great introduction to making Anglo Saxon Lyres, giving you a Sutton hoo form instrument in a very quick time with plenty of scope for customisation,

kits included pre-routed and drilled bodies with the soundboard rebate, the soundboard sanded and shaped, animal Glue, strings pegs, key and tailpiece.

Notes will accompany the kit, (videos already online)

A copy of the latest Lyre making DVD will be included.

Let me know if you have any questions

best wishes

Michael J King

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stringdidj/

Website: https://www.michaeljking.com

Online Shop: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Thelyreshop

Downloads: https://payhip.com/lyreshop

Twitter: http://twitter.com/michaeljking

Google+: http://tinyurl.com/lysbwhz

YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/user/michaeljking/videos

Thursday, 14 September 2017

Talharpa, 4 String Bowed Lyre with C tuning: CgCG

4 String Talharpa, just a quick Sound sample.

pictures here:

https://www.instagram.com/stringdidj/

Instruments available to order here:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Thelyreshop

Saturday, 2 September 2017

Antique style 2 String Jouhikko

A quick sound sample of one of the older type 2 string Jouhikkos,

Just put the strings on today,

A and e tuning for this quick sample.

I am not a bowed instrument player but it gives a quick idea of the sound, This museum replica is a smaller instrument in size with a tiny soundboard, half the volume of my modern 3 string Jouhikko that has a longer and deeper curved soundboard with soundpost,

The plans for this are on my Lyre making DVD

https://tinyurl.com/y9jxpzeq

Or available separately as a download here:

https://payhip.com/lyreshop

website

www.michaeljking.com