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Thank's Hesh. What fun. Man, if I'd of known there was a really swell T-shirt included, I would have made the 1200 mile drive.

Ron

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OLD MAN formerly (and formally) known as:

Ron Wisdom

Somewhere in the middle of Arkansas......

Really great pictures Hesh!!It looks like the bear loves his corn flakes and nobody is taking them away! .
I'll bet you all had some great jam sessions!

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

Hah! Great photos! T-shirts! Fun! Yeah, definitely needs to be an annual event!

The T-Shirts were a made up and given to everyone by Hesh and Lacey. Thanks so much. They are awesome.

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Beautiful and unusual tone woods at a reasonable price.
http://www.rctonewoods.com/RCT_Store
The Zootman
1109 Military Rd.
Kenmore, NY 14217
(716) 874-1498

I wished I could have made the trip

but I did not get to do that , I don't have a tee shirt

Looks like everyone had a rip-roaring good time

Well, it looks like everyone had a wonderful time.
I nearly blew off work and drove out Friday night, but good sense got the better of me. Unfotunately.
I'm gonna have to make the next one at all costs.

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"I want to know what kind of pickups Vince Gill uses in his Tele, because if I had those, as good of a player as I am, I'm sure I could make it sound like that.
Only badly."

I too wish I could have been there!
Oh well, maybe next year.
Maybe then I`ll get one of those cool shirts with the Pusher, er I mean the Zootman on it!
]

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Give me 50 cents worth of regular.
Check my oil too, if you don`t mind,,,

I didn’t take any pictures so relying on Hesh and Lance for their photos but I do want to report to all on this wonderful event.

I have been following the OLF for about a year now, almost on a daily basis. During this time I have often thought to myself “what a great bunch of people there are here!!! Passionate people willing to share so much of their experience, talent and time, but also very caring people, quick to send a note to say “you are in our prayers” when someone is having a problem”.    It’s really pretty unusual I think in the world we all live in today.

I traveled from Amsterdam NY up to Fort Erie to meet these folks – about a 5 hour drive for me and my family (that is if you don’t count the fact I took the wrong bridge into Canada and got lost for about an hour). And at the end of the day I have to tell you I was honored and proud to have had this opportunity to meet be such a fine bunch of people. This group of folks Is "what you see is what you get" all the way.

The day kind of started out with everyone pulling their guitars out of their cases and scrutinizing each others work. I’ll tell you we picked up many, many tips from the discussions that were going on as we looked at each others work. Tony K was probably the most experienced of the group – he builds and teaches for a living – and offered up a tremendous amount of great advise on some of the more intricate issues of building. We all listened carefully – how could you not???? When you look over the two guitars he brought the only word I can find to describe his craftsmanship, tone and feel was “WOW”. My only hope is that upon leaving and shaking his hand, some of that talent would magically transfer from his fingertips to mine.   

Then there was Hesh who brought two guitars – both masterpieces!!!! I wish Hesh would have lied and told me he had built around 100 guitars in a very high end studio because that is what his quality looks like. Instead he had to tell me he was now planning something like number 8 or 9 and building out of his bathroom.   The guy has a natural talent which must be combined with a great deal of patience. Hesh raised the bar for me – and has inspired me to pay much more attention to detail.   Oh yeah!!! BTW, Hesh has a secret weapon – her name is Lacey, his wife and she is an artist for sure. I had Lacey describe the intricate details of her floral inlay on one of Hesh’s headstocks – an incredible work of art.    What a team those two make – outstanding. Lacey also made these really cool guitar cookies. They also brought the shirts you see us all wearing in the pictures – what a class act this couple is.

Then I looked at Lance’s sunburst guitar with slotted peg head and was hoping he would tell me he has been at it for 40 years – but Lance was celebrating his 42nd birthday so I knew that wasn’t possible. Lance is class act, and his workmanship is of master quality!!!! Lance’s wife was our official photographer for the day shooting digital pictures and lots of video which I hope makes its way on the web some how.

Anthony Z pulled out two archtops – one finished and one a work in process. Beautiful work and when he told me the finished model was his first – well let’s just say
”Anthony – you are an inspiration” I can barely sleep nights now thinking about my next build and now I have to start thinking about doing an archtop – you da man!!!

JJ brought a work in process – a great looking waterfall bubinga body and neck and we picked up some great pointers from Tony K on getting a tight neck to body fit.

Alain brought his first which was incredible sounding guitar with an Adi soundboard - and shared his approach to French Polishing.

Serge – what can you say about Serge???? One of this nicest guys you would ever want to meet. This guy has passion with a capital “P” – and plays a mean Hank Williams tune not to mention a touching version of Happy Birthday in French which we made him sing over and over again. Serge brought a dread with some really big sound and a pretty neat combination of Purple Heart bindings and trip against an EIR back/side set.

And Rob from Rochester who is just getting ready for number 1. Rob has been working on tooling jigs and such and described his hand built belt sander!!!! I wish I had the talent to make my own tools like that – cant wait to see his pictures on OLF soon!!

But the highlight of this event for me was an unbelievable act of generosity, and one I will never forget.

It is an act that I am sure inspired all of us with regard to how we treat our fellow human beings. Serge had been playing one of Hesh’s guitars all day, admiring the workmanship, the sound, the finish – it was really an unbelievable piece of work!!! Flawless in every aspect. At the end of the day, Hesh made an announcement – “Serge, he said, I have watched you play that guitar all day, and I want you to have it!!!!”    Serge almost dropped to the grass. Tears welled up in his eyes and he said he couldn’t accept such a generous gift but Hesh insisted and the transfer of ownership took place, right there on the lawn of Bob Cefalu’s back yard.   

Hesh, you no doubt will be reading this post and I hope you don’t become angry with my announcement of this act. I bring it up because you should know that you not only touched Serge’s heart with your generous gift, but the heart of all of us who witnessed your act of generosity.    You have not only set the bar for others to strive for in terms of workmanship but also the bar of how we should treat each other.   I for one am looking forward to taking your lead, and gifting one of my builds at some point in the future to someone. Perhaps a student at our local school who cannot afford a quality guitar. Thanks so much for this lesson in life.

Last but not least is Bob Cefalu, his wife Rose, son Bob, and his wife Connie. What gracious and generous hosts!!!    Man we had some great food and drink, barbeque chicken, hot dogs, sausages (Italian of course) and then the real treat for me was a nice helping of meatballs and macaroni – I was right at home!!!!! Bob, thanks so much for putting this event together. You and your family are so generous, loving and kind people!! My only hope is that we can do it again next year?????

I know the official title of this event was the “OLF Get Together” but to me it felt more like a family picnic with families and old friends getting together to share a common love and passion for building, playing and sharing stories.    Thanks to all for having me as part of the group.

Holy cow, it sounds like everyone had an awesome time. Thank you for sharing the pictures Hesh.

This is definately on my "to do" list for next year...assuming there is a next year.(please, please, oh pretty please)

Hesh, what an act of generosity!

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Joe Breault
Merrimack, NH
Perpetual novice

Wow I wish I could have made it!!!! I would love to meet all of you

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Andy Z.
http://www.lazydogguitars.com

That sounds like an awesome weekend there folks. Just great.

I sure wish it were closer but 2800 miles (one way) is a long way to go.

I would love to do something like this on the West side of the continent either later this year or next summer. Something for the west siders to keep in mind.

Great detail there Rich.

And Hesh, Wow, what can I say, you are a true gentleman and I'm sure your gift could not have gone to a more deserving individual. Serge your passion alone is inspiring, not to mention your warmth, tenderness, compassion, grace, humor, care.......... the rest of you know. I was nearly in tears (really) just reading about it. Very cool guys, very cool.

I'm jealous of all of you for such a fine weekend and a great 1st annual event. Cool, more to come i hope.

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My Facebook Guitar Page

"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

So, who is everyone? I know some of them, but some other's I don't

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My Facebook Guitar Page

"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

Hesh,

Thanks for the added commentary on the photos.

Man, talk about "above and beyond the call of duty!" The photos, the T-shirts, the cookies and THE GIFT!!! You and Lacey really went all-out for this one! BTW, that guitar couldn't have gone to a better home.

Hesh, you are one fine man.

Ron

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OLD MAN formerly (and formally) known as:

Ron Wisdom

Somewhere in the middle of Arkansas......

Too tired and emotionnal to post my comments or pics tonight folks but i'm sure you'll understand! will do my report tomorrow, Hesh, i love ya Man!

Rich – what a great and accurate narrative of the day. A couple things to add……

Most of us build in a bit of a vacuum – meaning we don’t get to see a lot of other custom or hand build guitars or get to see and play so many at one time.   The start of the day with those countless guitars out and passed around to be played…. I was like a kid in a candy store.   That and that alone made the day worthwhile….. but it was only the beginning and surpassed by the interaction, joking around and playing/singing that followed.     

One observation…regardless of the experience amongst those that attended….. each and every guitar sounded great with its own unique sound.   A couple of examples --- Serge’s build for his mom has incredible bottom end and power with a really rich sound.   Hesh’s Walnut/Sitka OM (which I’ve dubbed the OM-H or OM-Hesh) absolutely “sparkled” regardless of how hard it was strummed with huge sustain. I think Tony Karol said it best…”it’s flawless”.

Rich Altieri – what a guy. He’s got that great New York accent coupled with a great self deprecating sense of humour that had us all in stitches.   Between his Rodney Dangerfield sense of humour and great singing voice -- he’d be a great lounge act.   His maple dread ….the sound was better than any Martin dread I’ve ever played and I’ve played quite a few. I do love maple guitars. Hesh’s pic of me with the goofy grin playin Rich’s maple dread…..that’s me saying….this baby is SWEEEEEEEEEEET

Lacey I love your inlay work -- seeing your work makes mine look absolutely 2-D.

A funny thing – you approach a day like we had with excitement and a bit of apprehension. What is everyone going to be like…..oh man these builders are going to see my work up close and play them…etc. etc.   Well from meeting all these folks on the OLF and seeing their posts … personalities actually do shine through.   There were no surprises for me…Serge is better in person, Alain with his dry and witty sense of humour, Bob’s thoughtfulness, JJ with his great wit, Tony passing on his experience with such enthusiasm ………… It's absolutely energizing to meet folks who build with such enthusiasm, many with great skill...but all with humility. The gathering exceeded my expectations.

After all of that … the highlight of the day was Hesh giving Serge the OM-H. JJ and I looked at each other and both said…. “oh man I’m gonna cry.”   

For all you folks that attended most of whom traveled goodly distances – words escape me in expressing how great it was to spend time with you and meet you in person.

Phil Marino - being a relative OLF newbie -- if you weren't hooked I'll bet you are now.

Hesh/Lacey – I now have the T-shirt…... I’ve been there, done that -- BUT -- I can’t wait till the next opportunity for all of us to get together again.

Bob, Rose, Bob Jr. and wife Connie – you folks are wonderful hosts. A lot of work went into making it such a special day.     On behalf of my wife Tricia, daughters Keira and Erin and myself, thank you so very much for opening up your cottage to us and making us all feel so welcome. My youngest said it best..."Dad it was good to see you play again -- you really had fun didn't you". Yes sweetie I had the best time!


Anthony Z38929.0936689815

Well, I'm am just plain jealous! Really wish I could have been there, but I am pleased you all had fun, it's good to see so many smil'in faces.

Cheers

Kim

Superb

Looks like a great time was had by all. Wish I could have been there too

Hesh - RESPECT.

Russ

This was a gift from Anthony Z and his lovely wife Tricia.
Cool or what?

Bobc38929.2398263889

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Beautiful and unusual tone woods at a reasonable price.
http://www.rctonewoods.com/RCT_Store
The Zootman
1109 Military Rd.
Kenmore, NY 14217
(716) 874-1498

As "an ol' hippie" I'm not at all surprised that a "love fest" broke out. I,too, spend time with OLF every day and what I see in this post is merely a personal,face-to-face replication of what goes on here daily.Thank you Lance,as founder, but thank you to everyone here and there who has shared a part of himself or herself; we are a family-I'm literally feeling tears well as I type. I am a friend to all of you in my heart. Humbly, Mike T.Not nearly as ......, Oh well, you know.

I htink Anthony and Rich said it all ... what a time was had by all. The new friends we all made, the kindness and giving (whoa .. there was a LOT of giving). It could have went on for days, but as Serge Alain and I discussed a possible week long tutorial on some of the finer aspects, Marion, my loving wife, starts to nudge me in the back towards the car .. it was time to go. Till we meet again gang. Cant wait.

The photo up there ... left to right ..

We have Lance, Hesh, Lance's wife Theresa, Phil, Bob, me, Lacey, Serge in front, Anthony, Alain, JJ and Rich.

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Tony Karol
www.karol-guitars.com
"let my passion .. fulfill yours"

Well, I'm just plain jealous! This is my first day back at work after summer, and I spent most of my vacation knocking down concrete walls and excavating my basement floor by hand and transporting the debris out by wheelbarrow, while you guys...it just not fair!

All kidding aside, all I can say is: What a great bunch of people I have the honor of knowing.

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Rian Gitar og Mandolin

Wow
Looks like you guys had a really great time. Maybe I'll be able to make it one of these days.
I might feel a little funny though. Everybody there would be about 20 years older than me.