Official Luthiers Forum!

My friend came by yesterday and picked up his son's guitar. I think I might be suffering from post pardum depression. As some may know this was my first commission, so I should be happy. And that kid is going to be so excited when he opens that case on Christmas day! But that is a sweet little guitar. I'm going to miss it.
Does anyone else have problems letting thier "children" leave the nest?

I know how to deal with this. A Cedar and Meranti "O" to replace it. The back is ready to brace and the sides are thicknessed. I think I'll go join a top and make some linings.

Merry Christmas to all.

Steve

Hi Steve
Yes I know how you feel.

By the time we get one of these things done, we have invested so much time into them that we can be emotionally invested.

I miss all of mine. The best medicine, move forward on your next, and stay in touch with the folks that have your past guitars. I know I do!

_________________
Support the OLF! Bookmark our STEWMAC link Today!
Lance@LuthiersForum.com

YES! There are projects I have done in the past that I wish I could see again. It does pass pretty quickly from that sinking feeling to a lower level. Being it's the first one, perhaps it hurts more. For me mine was this very elaborate framing job that I built a triptych frame. I didn't even get a photograph of it to remember it. Why I can't recall. I did it for a coworker for a gift to his wife. When he saw it he said, I don't even know how much to pay you for this. There's no amount you can charge me that seems worth it. It was a work of art as much as it was a piece of craft. At least he and she were thrilled with it.

Not me. I'd gladly say good riddance to another hunk of wood and metal, cash the check, pay some bills, update some inventory and tool maintenance, and never look back.

It may help if you cover your bench with the money received from the commission, mixed in with some tool and wood catalogs. Should cure any postpartum depression in no time.

_________________
Eschew obfuscation, espouse elucidation.

I share your pain. They are all too much like our children.

I had a local guy mention that his guitar from 30 years ago needed some small repair, and he was surprised that I welcomed him to bring it back, and at no cost at all to him. I was delighted to see my early guitar.

One day, maybe not too soon, your customer may want some small repair or set-up. You will experience the satisfaction of rediscovering your guitar.

_________________
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008907949110

David,
You are way too sentimental.

_________________
Cut to size.....Beat to fit.....Paint to match.

I'm with David Collins on this.

I took me about 15 guitars to get there though...

_________________
Alain Moisan
Former full time builder of Acoustics, Classicals and Flamencos.
(Now building just for fun!)

Sometimes they come home for a visit.

_________________
Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

Sounds like some of you could benefit from a support group..........

There's a great support group already out there for this - Lincoln, Jackson, Franklin, lots of fellas to come keep you company when your guitar leaves.

_________________
Eschew obfuscation, espouse elucidation.

Nope don't miss them. They are going to a better place for a better cause than me looking at them. I must say though I was a little reserved about the last one that went to a vet in Maine. I really liked that one, but can make another one.

Bill used to say he was building one just for him as a special project. It would get built, he loved it and it was staying with him, then someone offered good bucks for it and in the mail it went. So he would do another just for him to keep, same story. I learned how to let go from him.

Don't be sad to see them go out, Be sad if they come back

Well that is a bit of a double edged plane iron isn't it.....

Personally I would prefer to do the adjustments or anything else required on any of mine.

I sure miss my first commission (guitar number 2), but hearing how much better it sounds in the hands of the owner, I'm glad for it.

_________________
Build log

Take solice in knowing that your labor of love was not in vain.
The player/owner loves that guitar just as much !

Mike

_________________
Mike Collins

I don't miss them anymore. Love it when they go out the door to a new home. It does appear however, with the economy the way it is, many of our children may opt to live with their parents.
Terry

_________________
It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

Hesh ole buddy,
You sure have a cute little doggy there. What's the story behind the new avatar? Maybe you explained in another thread, if so, I missed it.

Sorry, guess this is off topic of the thread discussion.

_________________
"After forty-nine years of violin building, I have decided that the search for a varnish is similar to the fox hunt. The fun is in the hunt."
Jack Batts Maker and Repairer of Fine Violins

Ayn Rand said something about her writing that I think applies to us. "It will always be MY book, you just happen to own a copy."

I think the same applies. It is always MY guitar, but it just happens to reside with someone else.

_________________
Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

WHat, no PIX?

This is the one with the hockey stick rosette that I posted a couple weeks ago. Try searching my name or maybe someone can do that link to a post thing.

I expected some of you to not be too torn up about sending guitars off to their owners. Especally when getting them out the door is what keeps the mortgage payed. And I must say having these new pictures of Ben Franklin to look at has been soothing.

Steve

I bought back the only guitar I ever sold... Nuff said...

_________________
I'd like to be able to prove, just for once, that money wouldn't make me happy...

Does anyone else have problems letting thier "children" leave the nest?

Nope, got over that when I was building custom furniture. Just make sure to keep something real good for yourself

_________________
Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

I had the privilage of playing this guitar before it was picked up... It was excellent! The workmanship was top notch and the tone was amazing. I was surprised that such a small guitar had such a nice full bass and a well ballance and smooth top end. It was loud and punchy but not harsh at all. It was not quite a cannon like his thick side cherry box, yet full and rich just the same.

Steve you should be proud of that guitar...which may be the reason your having seperations issues today~!

JD

_________________
Joe