Official Luthiers Forum!

[QUOTE=TonyKarol] You know Serge you would have to ask Anthony Z - he still has family there, I still have some old high school friends, but havent been back in ages. I was at McMaster from 81 to 85, and never went back afterwards. Always been in and around Toronto. Not sure if I ewver went there, but my step dad had a bud who lived right across from the arena - rough was an understatement around there !!!! First real bar I was in was the Coulson on Elgin, to see local band Half Nelson, and after sitting down with a beer for less than fifteen minutes, one drunk at the next table smashes a chair on the table accusing his other drunk bud of hitting on his girl - a real eye opener !!! Then at the first break, a huge cowboy from over in the corner walks over to the jukebox, its playing some country tune, and continually kicks the crap out of it until his tune, Clapton's 'Cocaine' comes on. Then he walks back to the corner and sits down - no one said a word. It played about 4 times in a row. Just sit down, drink your beer, and keep your mouth shut, that was my motto !!![/QUOTE]

Yeah i have good memories too , i only lived there for a year and a half when i was 16-17yo, and would be able to write a big book of everything i saw in or around that restaurant, especially on on the night shift!. Talk about an eye opener for the young dude that i was back then

[QUOTE=TonyKarol] You know Serge you would have to ask Anthony Z - he still has family there, I still have some old high school friends, but havent been back in ages. I was at McMaster from 81 to 85, and never went back afterwards. Always been in and around Toronto. Not sure if I ewver went there, but my step dad had a bud who lived right across from the arena - rough was an understatement around there !!!! First real bar I was in was the Coulson on Elgin, to see local band Half Nelson, and after sitting down with a beer for less than fifteen minutes, one drunk at the next table smashes a chair on the table accusing his other drunk bud of hitting on his girl - a real eye opener !!! Then at the first break, a huge cowboy from over in the corner walks over to the jukebox, its playing some country tune, and continually kicks the crap out of it until his tune, Clapton's 'Cocaine' comes on. Then he walks back to the corner and sits down - no one said a word. It played about 4 times in a row. Just sit down, drink your beer, and keep your mouth shut, that was my motto !!![/QUOTE]

Yeah, i have good memories too! I'd be able to write a big book on everything i saw in and around the FRIENDLY'S, especially on the graveyard shift! Talk about an eye opener for the young dude i was back then

sorry 'bout this folks

OK-here goes-will be long but might explain why I sometimes seem like a "Know-it-all." Born 6/21/46,Columbus,Ohio. Father a fossil fuel engineer(primarily coal)mother degreed in dietetics and organic chemistry-"homemaker",but never saw my dad treat her as any less important intellectually or otherwise than he was as the "breadwinner."Grew up,as far as it goes, just outside Chicago. First guitar 1963, a Levin Goya dreadnought-found my dad's Dremel and some chip carving chisels, bought pre cut pearl at one of the old line Chi. luthiery supply houses and inlayed the neck-added what we called a "blues stripe" down the back center seam and the results were actually good-much better than my playing progress.Lucky to be exposed to the Lomax recordings and craved the Delta blues,so worked on fingerstyle-modified Travis pickin'. Traded the Goya for a Hoboken Guild D40 and again did the fancy stuff.(I have been a handgun shooter since age 10 and by sixteen had already started learning to re-stock my small collection of shotguns and rifles-probably what gave me the confidence to tackle the stuff on the guitars-continued with that kind of work all my life,including a year as a full time gunsmith.) Also got addicted to cars and worked as a mechanic in H.S. and during 8 years of college and have built a couple of street rods. In 1969, Univ of Iowa Law School met a fine young man who was building guitars(Sloane influenced,of course) Hung around there when I should have been in classes-helped a lot but confess to hazy recollection-lots of "smoke." Mostly he but some me, built for me a beautiful deep OM BRW and lots of fancy work.Started law practice as Legal Aid lawyer and ended up doing lots of criminal jury trials-recruited to become a traveling special prosecutor for Iowa Attorney General-my first exposure to the horrors of murder and the other heinous miseries humans perpetrate upon each other. For 32 years have been a "criminal trial lawyer" about a third of the time as a prosecutor,the rest defending. Last 14 years a part time judge in addition to trial work.The dual role is too complicated to explain here.From 85 to 99 built,maintained and drove dirt-track race cars-last 5 years of it in Sprint cars("speedcars" for our friends from down under)1988 broke back-kept racing-finally had to retire in 1999.Had learned to fabricate metal,welding of all kinds-learned a lot about metals and machining-heat treat-making jigs etc.Still hunt and like to fish. Lived last 27 years in Davenport, Iowa,literally on the banks of the Mississippi River. Severe chronic back pain had forced the retirement from racing and was looking for something to "make" that was finite and rewarding and recalled the pleasure of the "luthier assistant days" and about a year ago began to return to it.Married first time for 31 years-a wonderful daughter who teaches 5-6-7-grade special education-comes by it naturally-her mother is a fine woman and dedicated educator for 33 years-I got stupid-married my secretary(you know, the old story-I' not proud of it.) Lasted 2 1/2 years-divorced again.Now,since 2001 with a wonderful woman who loves me, my daughter and puts up with my brooding personality and eclectic interests. When I get curious about something I learn about it by studying and trying to do it. My friends call me the "renaissance barbarian." Bear with me-almost done here. Younger brother is a pro blues/jazz man(bass,guitar,keyboards and brass)in Cleveland-truly gifted-my nephew is at Berklee in Boston,guitar,gifted too.His mother,my 3 years younger sister is a highly regarded communications lawyer in Wash. DC. I have no natural talent for music, play by ear and struggle for whatever I can drag out of a guitar. I think because of what I have done as a career,I have a "dark" personality,extending to my sense of humor. I try to be Christian and I like to give things and what part of me that people are willing to accept.I have been described as "painfully honest" probably much too direct at times.I apologize for that. My life has been blessed-I have worked at something since 12 years old but have never wanted for anything important-I was able to pay for much of my own education ,work steadily and have relatively good health. I thank God every day for all of that.Inevitably tragedy will come to me and mine but in the meantime- "carpe diem" and give thanks for it.When I post here,believe me-it will be because I have either tried it and fairly succeeded or failed and tried to learn from it.FINALLY, I like and respect all of you,thank you for accepting me into your special community and I crave and absorb what each and every one of you have to share including any disagreement you might have with my thoughts.I will add a photo or two shortly.Your friend, J. E. "Mike" Tobey

My present guitars-present actual build and one of my inspectors-and self portrait

Hey Mike, You remind me of a friend of mine named Cecil. He tossed me the key to his Cessna 150 and allowed me to keep the plane to finish my license after he moved away. I like you better already.   

_________________
http://www.dickeyguitars.com

WOW, now that's what you call a great story to share, glad to know more about you Mike!

Note the near ubiquitous facial hair-In my case an obvious compensation situation.Actually I was able to do this today because back is so bad I cannot stand up-can't drive because can't raise my right leg.Actually, the 000 would be farther along, but I'm probably headed for some desperate type surgery(second try) in the next few months between trials. I am at home today. My little inspector and his boss, my springer-Aussie sheepdog heeler mix are keeping my spirits up-and the laughs I get from this bunch of characters here. The little guy is "De Lane's Riley B. Little King"-of course BB for short. De is my wonderful SO and we own BB's parents. He is a 10 week old Long-haired Chihuahua.Both of my canine bosses supervise when I go to my basement shop, but they get bored and fall asleep. I don't use many power tools so it is quiet there as I carve and plane away.The springer is "Doc", my late Dad's nickname for me.

[QUOTE=Miketobey] ...back is so bad I...can't raise my right leg.[/QUOTE]
Oh man, Mike, I guess you won't be clog dancing again for a while! Best of luck if you have to go under the knife (or even if you don't!).

Thanks for the interesting bio. You build guitars and like the blues, so you're O.K. in my book! Now that you've revealed your "fallback" job outside of lutherie, we'll be calling on you to excercise your authority to mediate disputes here at the OLF! We should get Brock to come up with a "gavel" emoticon for your exclusive use. "Order in the Forum!"

Guess I'm late to the party once again!

Born May 4, 1949 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Moved to California 1956. Currently in Spokane, Washington.

Computer operations manager, cab driver, car mechanic, student, electronics technician, machine designer, student, computer network admin, lab director.

Sailing, sea kayaking, B&W photography, woodworking, guitar building.

Did guitar repairs, restorations, built banjos in the mid to late 70s, played in an old timey band.

Big fan of Mississippi John Hurt.

Married to Maggie for 12 years, two children Anna Lee, 9 and Benno, 6, delivered by yours truly in the front seat of an old Toyota in a snowstorm. Whadda thrill.

Recently completed guitar #1, from LMI OM EIR kit. Another thrill.

Finally getting the tools I've deserved for years.

Koa size 5 parlor in the works.


Maggie and me.

_________________
now known around here as Pat Foster
_________________
http://www.patfosterguitars.com

[QUOTE=burbank] Born May 4, 1949 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Moved to California 1956. [/QUOTE]
Are you still angry with your parents for that?

P.S. Mississippi John--Oh Yeah!

You have the potential for a fine moustache and/or beard. Get to it!You both look so happy-that's great. Had I not learned to live with baldness since my early twenties ,I would be asking you and a few others here for follicle donations. Best regards, Mike Tobey

Nice pic of you and Maggie Pat, we now have a couple of things in common, The love of the craft and the snow thrill but don't believe everything you think!

Serge

Pat have you ever thought of yourself as a mid-wife? Great story, must have been a real rush! Sweet success in the snow. Thanks for sharing your story.   

_________________
http://www.dickeyguitars.com

[QUOTE=CarltonM] [QUOTE=burbank] Born May 4, 1949 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Moved to California 1956. [/QUOTE]
Are you still angry with your parents for that?

[/QUOTE]
Carlton, I am just a bit, but more for the four following moves that happened over only 10 years!

Mike,

I've tried it, but contrary to what the pic might indicate, it ends up pretty patchy. Half-asian, you see.

_________________
now known around here as Pat Foster
_________________
http://www.patfosterguitars.com

Bruce,

I guess I was a midwife of sorts that night. It really was a rush, got me very awake, very much in the moment! It put a new twist on the word "bonding"; I think we dads really miss out, usually not being allowed to be so involved. Made cutting the cord seem pretty tame.

_________________
now known around here as Pat Foster
_________________
http://www.patfosterguitars.com