Official Luthiers Forum!

Thanks for the reminder on this fantastic thread that Hesh started last year. Here were mine.

"Great question, Hesh.

As I read it, I realized I hadn't yet figured out what my goals were this year, besides building more, and better.

1) Build at least one guitar where I've done sufficient prep work, and have worked smart enough that I don't have a single "DOH" moment. You know the kind - route the binding a 1/16th inch too deep, drop a chisel on the top, etc.

Hmm. Well, I can honestly say that I have FEWER "Doh" moments. Progress

2) Finish the three guitars waiting on the bench, and give them to their respective owners - and set them up so well that they want to play them more than what they've already got.

I think I completed two of the three (Of course, I've started two more..... )

3) Get some formal luthiery education."

Nope - still exclusively working through it with you generous folk. Hard to take the time away, with family requirements, etc. Aggressinvely focused on improving my techniques, however. Maybe that has to be enough this year.

For 2011 -

1) Sell a guitar.
2) Standardize my headstock and bridge designs. (I'm still in a state of evolution)
3) Document my process, and have a jig for each step that I am very happy with. Focus on repeatability of my process
4) Get serious about voicing. Document deflection, density, and frequency on tops.
5) Be maniacal about safety in the shop. I don't want to be posting one of those "Don't do what I did" pictures.... (and thanks to those of you who did. They keep me honest.)
6) Continue to hoard affordable and appealing tonewood when I can find it (OK, so that's not a resolution, but I had to put one in there that is close to 100% likely to be acheived.)

My wife keeps asking me when i'm going to sell something. I keep telling her i'm trying to refine my style and i'm making guitars for the kids. Every guitar I make, I try to do something new; like fretboard binding, which I am hooked on now, or pickups, or finishes, etc. I really would like to do a cut-away of some sort, and an arch-top electric. I have so many friends and family that want a guitar from me. I'd like to pump a bunch of them out, but they are going to have to wait.

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Jason Moe
LaCrosse WI 54601

DOH! No one explained that to me..... hmmm. Let me rethink that.