Official Luthiers Forum!

I have found some builders in the area and I'm wondering if there are any more of you out there. If so would you be interested in getting a builders group together.
Chris

I"m in, Chirs - Dave Anderson is in Port Richey and he has a killer SJ he brought up to my shop...

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Mitch

Alright Mitch,
I've talked with Dave and he's in too and so far two others, Jim Mitchel and Jim Bonnell. Jim B. says he knows some others also. Great! We'll have to start working on a time and place.

Hey Chris, count me in too. I live just north of Lakeland, about an hour from Tampa.

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Jim Womack

"Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for. "
Will Rogers

Well, I am a few hours away from you guys - so that's a little far for me. I don't know how far away Ken Hodges is but you might give him a call.

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Simon

Sounds good guys ! Can't wait to get together with everyone!
I think Ken H. is up near the Ga. border . But of course we would love to have him if he can make it .
What do you say Ken ? Hope you can make it too Simon.
Hi Mitch, Thanks bud !

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

Count me in. I would really like to see this happen. A few years ago I wanted to start something like this and ask Mark Swanson how he got the one going in Michigan. He had a few suggestions. First ,try and find a large enough place to meet . They out grew theirs pretty quick. And second ,try and have a speaker at least for the first few meetings. Other wise everyone just stands around and doesn't know what to do at first.I may have a couple of ideas for that.
Jim Bonnell
Redington Shores

That sounds like sound advice Jim. Mark's pretty good at that. What ideas do you have Jim? We might as well start to discuss some things now and wait a bit longer to see how many sign on. I was also thinking that once we have a date and place figured out we could also maybe inform the area guitars shops and let their repair tecs know about it. The more the better I figure. I'm surprised to see you all in the area. Who would have thought. I think there may be some more down South in the Sarasota area too.

At Springfest earlier this year at Live Oak I met a builder from Ruskin [I think] who had a booth. I know I have his card somewhere. As far as speakers ,I was thinking of Augie LoPrinzi or his daughter Donna. I have no idea if either would be willing but it's worth a try. Their shop is in Clearwater and I don't think you could find anyone with more experience.I have another guy in mind in Safety Harbor but he's a bit of a recluse and I'm not sure if he would be willing.
Jim

Safty Harbor, Do you mean Charlie J. Arrow guitars, builds 12 strings. Augie LoPrinzi, He builds archtops doesn't he? I've heard about him. He would be interesting I think.

Did my description give Charlie away? He's a pretty good guy and I think would be interesting. Augie is world renown for his classical guitars. He also builds steel string and ukes. Check out his website. He's a very interesting man. I just don't know if he would be willing.

The jacaranda wood that I'm building my guitar from now came from Charlie 7 years ago. His place is like a mando musium. There are all kinds of instruments hanging from the ceiling. It's pretty cool.

Last time I was up there I think he said he had over 500!

I know Dave Bland (Siesta Key Guitars) lives down in Sarasota.
I'll send him a PM.

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

This could be the start of the FLA - Florida Luthiers Association...unless there already is such an animal

Ken's in Hilliard, North of Jacksonville I think...that's quite a haul for him, but hey, that's his decision!

I can host the first meeting here at our place in Spring Hill - I don't have much of a shop but there's enough room to host a good sized get together here, and I have a sound system for a speaker if necessary. We just need to figure out a date/time...

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Mitch

Thanks for offering your place for the meeting Mitch. Sounds great to me.
That would be very cool if Augie LoPrinzi would come !!
Does the 1st of November sound good Guys ?? That's about 6 weeks from
now or we could have it sooner. What do you think Chris?

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

That would work for me or sooner if need be. I'm pretty open to things and that would give us time to get it all together. How's it for everyone else?

Sounds good to me. I think it will take a little time to get the word out and work out any details
Jim

Ok., so far I count there are 6 of us at this point. That's a start.

Make that seven. I just got off the phone with Ken Bailey of Bailey Guitars in Plant city. He is also interested. I have three more people to contact yet. By the way, you might want to check out The Seattle Luthiers Group and The Michigan Luthiers Guild's websites for ideas. Hopefully Ken will post here soon.
Jim

Chris and Co.

Well I have been to Ken's shop a couple of times. I'll call him in the morning to see if he can make it.. He and Lori could stay at my house in Tampa.... The question is can we get him off of the farm and how busy is he going to be after the Nashville show..... Another thought for a space would be a club house or community center of some sort. I can call the one in Lutz and see if they have any openings....One last thought November first is a Saturday, would it be better to hold a meeting in the evening on maybe a Wednesday? Just a question?

Talk to you soon,

Jim

I believe Nov. 1st is Riverhawk Festival.
Jim B.

That wouldn't work for me. I can't never tell how I'll feel after work. And I would think a Sat. or a Sunday would work for most of us especially if someone has to do some driving. Coming in from St. Pete and even Lakeland would be tough. The interstates weather I-4 ,275 or 75 are a bear from 3:00 to about 6:30. At least that's my take on it.
If River Hawk is a problem another Saturday or Sunday would work for me. Or even the Friday after Thanksgiving Day. But that might not work either for some don't have that day off. Sat. after TD might not be bad but that doesn't give us much time.

Okay. I spoke with Ken and while he is busy getting ready for the Nashville show . He thought that something in November would be good...As the details start to come together I am certain we can button down plans. Chris, it looks like your vision is starting to come together.... Thanks for taking this on.....

Jim

I was thinking Thanks Giving was in October instead of Nov., Duh. So that Saturday after could be a possibility.