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I have been helping a couple of other guys get their feet wet by coaching them along on their own guitar builds. I have to admit that talking to them often and answering their questions and showing them easier ways to do some of the complicated processes has helped me stay alive in my building as well.

One of these guys drives about 3 hours, one way, to visit the farm on a regular basis and calls me often just to talk. It feels good to be able to share what I know with him and to have made a new friend also.

Just thought you would like to see what he has been able to accomplish with what he has learned?

check out http://www.jimsguitarbuilding.blogspot.com/

As you can probably tell, I'm quite proud of his progress I am also lusting after the sinker top he is putting on that guitar also. Pictures dont do it justice as it is about as pretty as I have ever seen.

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Reguards,

Ken H

that looks nice, Ken. I can see why uou like that top. Looks like he's paying attention!

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Ken, I've had the pleasure of helping a few learn to build also, It's a great experience isn't it.

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

Ken,

I am currently on the receiving end as Michael Payne is helping me through my first build. I cannot imagine what I would be doing without his instruction. Thanks to all of you veteran builders who help us newbies out

Dan

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Dan

Ken, helping others is what it's all about. You're adding to the knowledge base that will grow with each generation and somewhere down the road a couple of luthiers will be standing around saying things like " I once heard an ole luthier named Ken say..." Clinton

The favorite part of helping Dan, is hearing the deaf ting pause after I say “You did what?” when he calls and first asks me if he did something right. Only to find i was just kidding with him

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Dan

When I was learning to build guitars with Frank Finoccio, I bet he told me at least 10 times that as soon as I started building on my own I would do something and then say "You know, that Frank was full of it"

well...... it has happened.... more than once too

I bet these guys will do the same thing. As time goes along, everybody seems to find their own niche in the building that works well for them and is in a total different direction that the one who taught them. I will feel proud when my name gets mentioned, even if it is saying I am full of it....

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Reguards,

Ken H

My best friend, at the time, was the son of the doctor who delivered my first born son. He told me, after seeing one of those hospital birth pictures, that he went to his father and asked him, "What have you done?", as the head was a bit misshapen from the delivery. It was an UGLY picture! Fortunately, things evened up, eventually.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Jim drove up here from Tampa today (3.5 hour drive) to learn how to set necks. I have an abundance of them to set right now, so today was a good day to get them all done at once. We spent the day discussing everything from guitars to theology, but I think we both had a good time and got a lot done too.

I really do enjoy the time spent sharing the trade with others, and again it was good for me as well because he asked a lot of questions that made me re-think about the way I do some things in my building. As you can see, I put him to work doing the neck setting himself, which is better for both of us because he was able to get a "hands on" experience that no amount of reading can equal. When he left, covered in sawdust fromt he days work, I thanked him for his efforts. He insisted that HE was the one that was more thankful for getting experience in my shop. I highly reccommend sharing your skills with others as you will find it rewarding in a way that can never be fully explained in print.

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Reguards,

Ken H

You know Ken I made it home safe, and I have to say the picture you posted says it all..... That smile is all the proof I need......... I am defiantly getting the better end of the deal.... Heck, if I didn't have a day full of meetings tomorrow and to prepare for being on the road all next week. I'd have slept in the car to help get those necks on those guitars.... Talk about lust how about that Australian Black Wood? You know the mentoring is one thing but getting to spend time with a gentleman such as yourself is more than just a bonus.... I can honestly say that the time spent together has been very enjoyable and well worth any perceived effort on my part. As for the actual tutelage, All I can say is I might have been able to build the thing, but would it have been a guitar and would it have sounded decent? I have real doubts. Although the guitar is not done I expect that it will at least rival the off the shelf guitars I have bought and played..... Will it rival those rare special guitars you occasionally find and get to play? I remain hopeful, however I can say this with certainty, thanks to your help, encouragement, friendship and advice I am much closer to one day making that a reality......And even if that never happens I will have made a good friend and in the grand scheme of things that's a better trade....

Thank you

Jim Mithcell

Without the help, guidance, generosity, and inspiration of OLF members like Hesh, JeffB, ToddStock, Serge the bear, Rod True, Danny and Dan, and everyone else whos helped me along the way.. even just by posting helpful thoughts,,,,
(Im sure Im forgetting plenty but point made)
Id still be floundering in the dark instead of being in the middle of a couple builds..
Thanks Everyone here and at the other luthierforum
Cheers
Charlie