Official Luthiers Forum!

I have just come to the end of 5 weeks leave and have spent many hours watching a number of videos - John Mayes collection, Robbie O'Brien finishing DVD and lots of youtube clips.

I don't know anybody who makes guitars that I can visit in person and watch in action so my main learning has been from books, OLF & videos. The latter have been invaluable because there are concepts/procedures/techniques that are difficult to glean from a wordy explanation.

Another thing that I love about the videos is the number of other things I observe & learn that have nothing to do with the main video topic but have changed the way I work. For example
- John Mayes has a bit of carpet on his work bench. Never thought of it but I wouldn't be without it now.
- JM uses a digital vernier caliper for almost all of his measuring. I always used a ruler. I now use the VC & find it much easier & more accurate for lots of tasks.
- JM has something on the side of his bench to wipe his finger on after gluing. I no longer use my trousers!!
- Robbie O'Brien has a home made belt sander - it had nothing to do with the topic, but I saw it sitting in the background. I'm going to make one of those!!
- I used to dread using hide glue - I won't tell you how are I used to prepare and dispense it as you will think I'm an idiot. After watching JM use it, it is now no big deal.

...I could go on...
In the absence of a luthieric (??) colleague that I can visit & watch, thanks to all those who makes these great resources.
Frank

Frank my friend I noticed that you are in Australia and wanted to ask you if you are aware of Bob Connor's excellent ANZLF guitar building forum. It's possible that some of my M8's there are in your neighborhood. Let me know if you want the URL and it's yours.

Hesh
..let me have it - thanks.
I accidentally stumbled across the ANZLF a couple of months ago and am a member, and should make a point of working on it more regularly.

I personally think that this is the coolest time ever in history to be a human being because of the global network of information available to the common man and woman. This forum is one of many resources available to aspiring luthiers and the videos mentioned are wonderful as well. It is not just lutherie, but anything anyone can possible want to be informed about is literally at your fingertips. I agree with all of your observations and have learned a lot myself in just the way you described.

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Nahh, I'd much rather be a WW2 Fighter Pilot. That was something real and worthwhile...

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Here is what a Parlor Guitar is for!
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