Official Luthiers Forum!

As I've visited many places throughout the world, experiencing culture divergent from my own, tasting foods, observing various religious practices it is with relish that I attempted a trip to Westminster. Home of 2 practiced Luthiers on our own OLF, Peter Marreiros and Kevin Ryan.

I didn't have a great deal of time to spend with Peter because I arrived late, but intend to go back soon. I did get a chance to play Peter's redwood baritone fan fret. Excellent instrument, very well executed! Beautiful guitar in every fashion. He had a very nice setup and was a great guy to deal with. I wish I had gotten there a little sooner, but we'll meet again.

As Kevin Ryan was only about 3-4 blocks away from Peter I decided to hesitantly pay him a visit as I wanted to see this Zipflex and the A4 kerfing he offers. I've always considered Kevin one of those celebrity luthiers.. and he is, but he was one of the most personable guys I could of hoped to meet. He immediately knew and offered a solution I was having and I got a chance to handle the Zipflex. This stuff is fantastic. You could write your name with the stuff!

I was amazed at the flexibility and the outright beauty of the shell. I haven't personally done any shell work at all but I'm already convinced I'll be using this stuff almost exclusively. The ease of workability is obvious. At $25.00 bucks American a run it's a bargain!

I got so mesmerized by the fixtures and general setup of Kevin's shop I even forgot to ask about the A4 kerfed lining. Doh!

I feel bad about not warning Kevin that I'm going to rip this guy's ideas off big time! Especially his vacuum clamping jig. I've seen some like his before but in use they are awesome! I don't see how anybody could live without one! Kevin had a gorgeous Brazillian cutaway in what looked like final stages of sanding and that Zipflex around the outside of the ribs. Very handy!

In short a great couple of guys. Los Angeles seems to be a luthier wasteland but what we have, more than makes up for it!

I know you guys like pictures which I didn't take a camera but here's a guy getting beaten up by a lawn ornament I hope that makes up for it!

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Billy Dean Thomas
Covina, CA

"Multi famam, conscientiam, pauci verentur."
(Many fear their reputation, few their conscience)

Billy, I had a shitty evening but that picture made me laugh.
Thank you.

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Olivier Gauthier
Montreal, QC

Sorry to hear about your evening!
Glad to be of service. Get some Zipflex that would perk me up if I were you!

Best wishes Bud!

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Billy Dean Thomas
Covina, CA

"Multi famam, conscientiam, pauci verentur."
(Many fear their reputation, few their conscience)

Nice to see you again, Billy...and pleased to know that you're back to normal since they removed the lawn dart from your cranium. Next time, plan on getting it extracted immediately instead of waiting for a year.

On a more serious note...I just completed a guitar and will never again use anything BUT Zipflex. The ease of installation is laughable compared to other products I used. And perhaps more importantly, it sands and scrapes without losing the color and figure. It's the product of the year IMO. Kudos to Kevin!!!

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Woah! I didn't even know I had a lawn dart in my cranium! Thanks JJ!

The Zipflex was unexpected. It's plyability is fantastic. As well as gorgeous! That Brazillian with the shell all over it was a real treat to see and it wasn't even finished!

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Billy Dean Thomas
Covina, CA

"Multi famam, conscientiam, pauci verentur."
(Many fear their reputation, few their conscience)