Official Luthiers Forum!

After a discussion with Ken Hodges, he will be giving a talk on the "business" of Lutherie, pitfalls, trials, successes, and how hard it is to make money at this passion...

I got dibs on the front row for this one!

(house rules...its my house, I make the rules - when my wife says its OK...)

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Mitch

Being at the beginning of the building process, I would like to see something bent over a hot pipe. I have bent a set using bulbs, but will be going a different route on the next run.

Thinking to the end, the setup demo might clear up quite a bit of mystery. I'm sure I would have quite a few "I hadn't even thought of those moments." I find most of my time is spent realizing those. I’ll be bringing my Uke which could be used as a demo of what not to do.

Oh, and thanks again for pulling this together.

John

Not to be a downer but would that be the best subject for the most of us to get anything from as we aren't at the stage of going into bussiness. I mean couldn't we all gain more from something that would help us build a better sounding guitar that we could sale? Just a thought.

Hi Chris -

Agreed that there are probably more of us that not that are NOT becoming business folks any time soon, however, I never pass up the opportunity to listen, as I think it may help me with a build further down the line...I wouldn't be too worried, we have ample time to mix mingle, compare notes and guitars and get a well rounded set of input on the day...

I think I may demo the bending blanket system I picked up from Mandomaniac. Its pretty much foolproof, and I have some sides to bend anyway..

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Mitch

BTW - I have a couple of nice Rosewood fretboards slotted at 24.9 scale that I will have at the swap meet - hopefully I can trade for a 25.5 scale...

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Mitch

Oh.....I didn't think about that. Mitch......is the swap going to take place inside something. I really don't want to bring some of my stuff down there to let it sit outside whilst being probed and molested by a bunch of guys!....

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There is no difference between the man that thinks he can....and the man that thinks he cannot.

I"ll set up the swap in a separate room, inside and out of the weather, but prominently displayed...

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Mitch

Thanks Mitch....

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There is no difference between the man that thinks he can....and the man that thinks he cannot.

Does any one have a woolson neck jig they can bring. I would like to get a peek at one before I build one.

I also agree with Chris on wanting to see anything on bracing. A demo of a properly/or improperly braced top could shave years off of my building development.

John

just for clarification, my discussion of the business side doesnt necessarily mean selling guitars. I had planned on adding some tips on where to get the products you need at reasonable prices as well as some helpful tips on how to shop for off the wall stuff that is usable in guitar building but people dont realize it, hence much lower prices.

No matter if it is your first or 500th, I'm sure you will find at least some of this useful

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Reguards,

Ken H

Mitch, will you be send a PM me as to the address?

Anyone know what the status of Loprinzi is?............Will he speak?.....His daughter?.....any phone calls been placed?

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There is no difference between the man that thinks he can....and the man that thinks he cannot.

What? Don't you just hate it when you are trying to post a question and you get distracted.

Sorry to say that there's a strong chance that I won't be able to make it Saturday. I got laid off today and when I went to the hall to sign the out of work book they had a short job call (7 days or less) that didn't get filled today so I took the job call. They are working 5- 10 hour days and it's a strong possibility that they will work Saturday too. I won't know probably until Friday. And I just can't pass up the money being that jobs are in short call at this time.
Good news is I closed up the box last night. I guess it might be time to build a binding machine this weekend.

I sent him an email and invited him and his daughter on 9 / 25.
I have received no reply.

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

OK, so by my count we've got a solid dozen builders showing up this Saturday! Great!

If anyone has some extra foldup chairs and/or an extra 6 foot table they could bring, can you let me know please?

We'll start promptly at 10:00, and end suddenly at 6:00 if there's anyone left

Looking forward to a fun and information filled day!


Oh, by the way, if anyone is allergic to dogs, Marley the wonder dog will be here sniffin' around and giving his input on certain issues...He's a fun-loving Golden Retriever so anyone bringing and extra doggie treat will be greeted warmly...

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Mitch

Dave buddy! Can I coax you into arriving around 9:00 for some setup help?

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Mitch

Mitch, I've got 4 or 5 6ft tables and I can probably scare up a few chairs. If you need some help setting up, I can help too. I'm only about 45 minutes down the road. Anyway, let me know how I can help.

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Jim Womack

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

Jim - if you can bring a couple tables and be hear around 9:00 that would be absolutely super!
Thanks!

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Mitch

No problem Mitch, I'll be there with the tables. Sorry to hear about job situation, Chris. I think a lot of us are gonna be looking over our shoulders soon enough. Hope you can find a little time to visit Saturday.

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Jim Womack

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

That's construction, I'll be working 10 on Sunday too. You all will be leaving by the time I get home. Sounds like it's going to be fun for sure. Twelve is a good size for a start. You all can decide when the next one can be too. Make sure you all have a cold one or two durning the open mic.

Mitch, Sure I'll be there about 9.

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

Mitch,
How about contact information and directions? Anything else you need I can bring? I'll be coming from the St. Pete. area.
Jim

Contact Information:

Home phone - 352-397-2156

Directions From Rt 589:

Take the RT 50 Cortez Blvd Exit and head West off the exit toward Spring Hill - go approx 1/2 mile to Barclay Ave (sunoco station that is under construction on the corner). Turn left onto Barclay go approx 1 mile to the blinking light - this is Lawrence Ave. Turn right (only way you can turn) and proceed to the first left, which is Bruni Drive. I'm at 13482 Bruni, third house from the end - white and blue house with a tile roof.

Directions from Rt 19:

Take 19 to Rt 50 cortez Blvd and head east to Barclay. Turn right on barclay to Lawrence - follow directions above...

Directions from I-75: Take the Rt 50 exit and head west. Rt 50 becomes Cortez Blvd in Brooksville. You can take the bypass and avoid Downtown Brooksville, or take the scenic rt - its a nice little town - but stay on 50 and eventually you will get to Barclay....

Let me know if anyone has other directional dysfunctions...

Still looking for hard volunteers to stop at Dunkin Donuts and pick up some bagels/donuts and a box 'o joe for the morning.
I'll be supplying lunch - burgers, dogs, brats on the grill, Mom's tater salad, beans, chip Tracy's famous spinach dip...should be a "musical" afternoon. I'll have soda and water to drink - suds are welcome but bring yer own...I'll have a cooler set up for that...

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Mitch