Official Luthiers Forum!

What were some of your highlights this past year? What do think will be some for 2007?

My 2006 highlights were getting together with luthiers. I spent time with Mike Collins from near my old home town. He was the first luthier I met in 1986 and I hadn't seen him in a long long time. I spent time a dat at Todd Stock's house making a binding jig. And great lunch too! Then 2 weeks later I went to Sylvan Wells shop for an all day tour/felloship time with a bunch of luthiers.

I've enjoyed new friends, fellowship, new skills, new tools, new jigs, and more. I also was given a full set of used kitchen cabinets for my shop. Reorganized and expanded my shop considerably (now about 450 sq ft with room to grow till my basement is full at 1,000 sq ft)

2007 highlights will be building a 50th birthday present for my brother (starting now, he just turned 50) Also building 1 or 2 guitars along side his. One as a fundraiser for a young widow with young children.

No, I won't be going to ASIA or Healdsburg this year.

Let's hear your LUTHIER highlights

The biggest one for me was becoming a Teaching Assistant for Robbie O'Brien in the Fine Woodworking/Luthiery Dept. of Red Rocks Community College. I've been building under Robbie's guidance for 2 years. Spending the last 2 semesters as his TA has been a fantastic experience.
Having the opportunity to help students in the classes and study under a great luthier like Robbie at a facility like Red Rocks...it doesn't get much better than that.

-j.

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“If God dwells inside us like some people say, I sure hope He likes enchiladas, because that's what He's getting”
-jack handy

Wow J!! I certainly do appreciate the compliments and all the help in the classes!

My 2006 highlight was deciding that I could indeed build a guitar and then doing it -- with some help from a lot of friends.

I'm hoping to be able to do two or three in 2007 (just finishing the rim on number two). I'm feeling really good about starting down this path of craftsmanship. There is no more fulfilling activity than creating with one's hands!

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Jim Howell
Charlotte, NC

well put Jim. I enjoy every day that I get to grow in knowledge or experience. VERY rewarding

MY highlights?

well, REALLY getting into the building and producing some instruments that I'm really proud of.

Getting two commissions from out of the blue interweb people

and spending a very pleasant afternoon with George Lowden at his factory in Downpatrick

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