The Serpent Forum

Richard_Cane · Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2007 8:45 pm Post subject: Kaiser Serpents Progress

Hi Russ,

I was curious as to how you felt your serpents were coming along. The new work that you have been doing with some of the finishing including that African black wood looks really great. Do you feel that you are approaching the point where you will not be making further prototypes but creating the first of your "production models"?
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Home made fiberglass mishmash copy of an anonymous 19th century church serpent in C including including parts from a guitar and the kitchen sink.

Russ Kaiser · Joined: 02 Mar 2007 Posts: 29 Location: Winston-Salem, NC

I could write a book in response to this but in general I think I am ready to drop the prototype designation. On the other hand, I don’t foresee any two of my instruments being identical.

There are a lot of choices that I make based on the availability and price of materials. For instance, I bought (stole really) a roll of fiberglass cloth 4 or 5 months ago and all the serpents from that point forward have been made with that cloth. Frankly it is a little too heavy and is very hard to work with. I have enough of it left to make about 4 instruments and then I will use something else. I could probably list another half dozen examples like this that have arisen since I started.

Because I am trying to keep my serpents inexpensive, I will always be facing ingredient and sourcing issues. What I have going for me is that my molds make a good playing instrument and that is the heart of the serpent. I have enough experience with the component pieces that I can incorporate small changes (whether they are forced upon me or made by choice) and still end up with a playable instrument. I know what it takes to make a serpent. Now I am trying work smarter and improve quality.

Richard_Cane · Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 7:42 am Post subject:

Russ, how is the serpent making coming along? I've been checking out your website regularly and have enjoyed seeing more recent instruments there and through the forum. The finish on them is looking really great.

How many instruments are you up to now? Do you have a picture of one of your most recent serpents that you could share?
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Serpent Forum Site Administrator

Home made fiberglass mishmash copy of an anonymous 19th century church serpent in C including including parts from a guitar and the kitchen sink.