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I spent a few hours this afternoon at Sound Guitar Workshop, taking a class with Cat Fox. I'm not sure "class" is the correct word because the other attendees bailed at the last minute. I guess you could say I was the lucky beneficiary of a solo lesson.

I had a great time and learned a lot as Cat guided me through the fine art of assessing, measuring and adjusting relief, dressing frets and completing a proper set up. I've had less than satisfactory results with these critical final steps on my guitars, so this was an exceptionally valuable experience for me.

Rick Davis was working in the shop as well and it was a pleasure checking out their space, seeing how they've set up the workshop and just hanging out with the two of them a little bit. I hope to be able to participate in more classes in the future.

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George :-)

Rick and Cat are both really great and helpful people - I haven't been there in a couple years but could definitely use a refresher from Cat in the same subject. Glad to hear you got the chance to learn from someone with that much experience.

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Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils - Louis Hector Berlioz

Chansen / C hansen / C. Hansen / Christian Hansen - not a handle.

Christian

Yeah, they seemed like really straightforward people. Cat's shorthand for the process of leveling, crowning and dressing frets is "grind and polish." I think that's indicative of her down to earth demeanor and approach to the work, which really helps take the mystery out of things that can be very intimidating to an amateur. The old guitar I took in to the class with me has always been a sweet player. Now it's better than ever and can practically play itself--which is a great because I need all the help I can get!

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George :-)

Wow, lucky you! Sounds like a great time and good learning experience.

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Formerly known as Adaboy.......

I have been curious about some of those classes, although the main problem is I can't foot that kind of bill. I am glad to see other aspiring luthiers in my neighborhood.

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-Marcus
http://www.bailieguitars.com
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Way-to-go George and my hats off to ya for recognizing that you could learn something from a couple of pros.

Guitar set-up is a specific area where in my own experience not only was I lacking but many of the builders who I know well are also lacking. It's an art in and of itself and not something that weekend warriors or rasta impostors.... can just assume that once we have glued a bunch of wood together set-up is just another hour or so of adjustments and Bob's your uncle.

Nothing is more telling about a builder's chops than what happens when you attempt to play their guitars and encounter loose frets, poor action, buzzing, and a general difficulty in playing the instrument because the nut slots are still too high or worse.... too low....

Knowing what I know now if there was only one hour of pro training available to me in this Luthier life and I could choose where I spent that hour it would be learning proper set-up.

Good going George!

Now I just need to repeat what I learned yesterday maybe a hundred or so times and Bob might consider being my uncle, too. :-)

I wish I had the time and money to pursue more training opportunities. I don't currently enjoy that luxury, so I am forced to be selective. As Hesh indicated above, I think this one class could easily turn out to be the best investment in guitar-building that I'll ever make.

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George :-)

This will definitely be on my "to-do" list. The prices are really incredibly reasonable. A soundboard design/bracing/voicing class for like $125 sounds like a very good deal. I'd love to do the fret set-up class too.

Very cool.

Darrin

I spent two weeks taking a build class with Rick last spring, and I have nothing but fantastic things to say about both Rick and Cat. They are both experienced, knowledgeable Luthiers who possess a willingness and enthusiasm for sharing their knowledge. They participate in and often host the Seattle Luthiers Group meetings, and are always generous with their time.

It's also worth mentioning that Duke is the coolest Frisbee dog on the planet!

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Jim Hansen