I confess, it has been quite a while since my last post. So lets catch up.
In my last post, June 17, I was getting ready to present at the A.S.I.A Symposium in Stroudsburg, PA. That was a great success. My presentation went off well and my class which was supposed to be 90 minutes long went on for over two hours. Some of the attendees went to other classes in the middle but many stayed on to the end. I was told that it was very interesting. In the presentation I displayed about 300 photographs and processes on guitar building, tools, forms, jigs and steps to help the aspiring luthier.
In the shop I have been busy with all sorts of things. Currently I have completed a Kasha radial braced type steel string guitar. This employs a Kasha bracing pattern with a floating transverse brace and fingerboard extension. The sound board has been enabled to vibrate over its full length and not be impeded by the transverse brace locking it down above the sound hole. This instrument also features a Pinless bridge where the strings are mounted to the top of the instrument. The are hooked on steel posts that are anchored to the top. The bridge is Kasha style in shape but is laminated of Rosewood and Ebony with a fully compensated saddle. The body is Oregon Myrtle (Laurel) finished with french polish. This is a large full bodied amazingly resonant and responsive guitar.
I have also been busy in the shop with a variety of instrument repairs. From inlays to bridge replacements, neck resets on a classic Martin Tenor Guitar and general repairs and set ups. The customer is always pleased to get their instrument playable and right.
I had a chance to travel a bit. In May I was exhibiting at the LaConner Guitar Festival in LaConner, Washington. That was a hoot. Met so many great builders and people. I also had a chance to get to to the LMI warehouse which by the way you would have to make visiting plans in advance to visit as they don’t usually give tours, but I had a few minutes to look around. I also visited with Tom Ribbeke at his shop. That was great.
Well thats it for now. Please check back to see and hear the newest instruments just finishing up.
Thanks for reading.
Jay
