We haven't done something like this in a while, and although it is clearly to help one of our own I feel it also helps us all. All year long, but especially at this time of year, I feel a strong sense and need for "community". It is with this in mind that I propose we do something special, for a specific family but again, really for us all.
John Mayes is a pretty young guy, but as guitar makers go many of us "old guys" will never get to where he is already. And without the help and input that he has lent to us over the years we would have a much longer road to travel. Recently John has had some medical issues that resulted in he and his family being saddled with a lot of expenses. I have watched him selling his wood and other effects to cover some of these costs, the same wood and effects that his talent could convert into beautiful instruments which would raise the souls of many others. So here is what I am going to do. I have put together a package that would pretty much be a complete very fine guitar, basically an unserviced kit. It includes the following:
1 - Mastergrade Lutz Spruce Guitar Top Set
1 - Indian Laurel (Terminalia sp) Back and Side Set
1 - Indian Ebony Finger Board Blank (VERY BLACK)
1 - Indian Ebony Bridge Blank
1 - African Ebony Headstock Veneer
1 - Honduras Mahogany neck blank (enough for a stacked heal neck style)
6" Lutz Spruce Bracewood
4 - small figured Bubinga pieces for rosette/alternate headplate veneer etc.
1 - set of neck bolts and inserts
1 - set of slotted ebony bridge pins
1 - ebony end pin
2 - each spruce and mahogany unkerfed linings
4 - EIR/maple bindings
2 - b/w/b purfs to line the rosette
1 - single action 3/16" truss rod
1 - Gotoh SG301, all gold 18:1 Tuners
1 - set of medium gauge strings - in bulk packaging
1 - each bone nut and saddle
5' fret wire, you choose, 18% nickel, SS or gold EVO
The total value of this package is upwards of $500 USD. And I will include free ground shipping anywhere in the world!!
Here are a couple of pics
Attachment:
Lutz.jpg
Attachment:
Laurel.jpg
So lets auction this package off, highest bidder gets it, Auction ends noon EST next Wednesday, high bidder gets it. I will pm the winner and ask them to pay the funds directly to John's paypal account and once I have confirmation of that payment being made, I will ship the package!
I would also be delighted to see some other creative ideas to make this family have the kind of Christmas we should all have!!
Thanks and the VERY best of the season to all of you in this community from my family and I! Lets make this an A Mayes ing Christmas!
Shane
![[:Y:]](./images/smilies/smiley20.gif "Thumbs Up")
So I will make this as easy as possible. You can PM me for John's paypal address, or you can use Mastercard or Visa by calling me (250)631-6204 or email ![[clap]](./images/smilies/smiley32.gif "adulations")