Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi All,

At the conclusion of last year's challenge, Big Jim asked for a little assistance in administrating the challenge builds. He had faithfully done it for several years, and done it proud. I forwarded the suggestion that the previous year's challenge build winner should host the next one. With that said, as the winner of the new builder's challenge last year, I would be willing to organize the 2014 Challenge if the group thinks that is a good idea...

What I would like to do for the 2014 challenge is a "Local Woods" build. We could divide the contestants as we did last year into 0-2 builds, and 3+ builds so that the less experienced are encouraged to get in the ring.

I will post a "poll" at the top of this thread that should highlight several options for the challenge and will also keep replies to this thread to a minimum so that it is easier to navigate. If you have constructive input, please feel free to comment.

Here's looking forward to a great 2014 Challenge build!

--Jay

I'm in! Local woods makes it hard here, but I just bought some English Walnut in the hope of building an all-European guitar.... Anyway, I'm in.

Thanks Jay

I'm up for it. NZ natives all the way!

Shane

Great idea Jay. As a winner in 2013 I am most happy to give you a hand wherever I can be helpful. PM me if you want to converse on that topic.

_________________
Doug

Don't let fear or common sense stop you from trying to build something

I'd give it a go...

Kerry

_________________
My Website http://klw-strings.com
My Luthier's Blog...http://klwstrings.blogspot.com

I'd love trying to make an all-native wood instrument, count me in.

_________________
Not much but at least it exists : http://jbluthier.com/

So new and kinda new builders, I'm working on #4, #5, #6 & #7 but a local wood build wood be fun

Think I could be persuaded

Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD using Tapatalk

_________________
Nick

Follow my musings on getting started in luthiery http://www.tredwellinstruments.co.uk

define local?????

_________________
MK5acoustics.com

I am starting my first. All local wood already

_________________
久保
美智え

Wes, I believe that "local" is relative, and should be a factor in people's voting. I realize that some folks may not have as many options as others. I think anyone that scavenges or repurposes wood from their little corner of the world should get a slight nod in the voting as well. As y'all know the voting is done by the membership here, which in my experience is quite astute. That's just my vision--the closer to home, the better...

A thought, for discussion, as a playing field leveler....

Local wood means all wood used is grown in a specific area (state, miles/km radius, country or whatever people want). Doesn't have to be where the builder lives, but can be, of course...

_________________
Trevor Gore, Luthier. Australian hand made acoustic guitars, classical guitars; custom guitar design and build; guitar design instruction.

http://www.goreguitars.com.au

If the time frame allows, I'm in, I have a busy summer coming up.

I think I can even go with all trees I've personally felled here in Alaska (it would be a pretty light colored theme). I may have some size limitations though, I just put together a 20" scale for such reasons from wood I cut.

Niece one, Jay for organising this. I hope I can enter, if not I really enjoy watching other's.
I think local should mean the place you associate yourself with. For me that would be Britain, for others that could be the Alps.

_________________
We are all in the gutter but some of us are looking at guitars.

Count me in.

_________________
George :-)

Dont know If I would have time this yr , but might . Count me in , .... for now ..

_________________
The Shallower the depth of the stream , The Louder the Babble !
The Taking Of Offense Is the Life Course Of The Stupid One !
Wanna Leave a Better Planet for our Kids? How about Working on BETTER KIDS for our Planet !
Forgiveness is the ability to accept an apology that you will probably NEVER GET
The truth will set you free , But FIRST, it will probably Piss you Off !
Creativity is allowing yourself to make Mistakes, Art is knowing which ones to Keep !
The Saddest thing anyone can do , is push a Loyal Person to the point that they Dont Care Anymore
Never met a STRONG person who had an EASY past !
http://wiksnwudwerks.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/groups/GatewayA ... rAssembly/

I may try. Depends on when I get everything settled a bit. I still have everything packed up. But if the timeframe allows I'll attempt one.

I have a buddy who wants me to build an all Appalachian woods guitar for him, but I don't think the timing will be right for me to get in on this challenge. I have four guitars going right now.

_________________
Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from poor judgement.

How about dividing it into 3 groups? Those who have made:
1-2 instruments
3-10 (for example) instruments
10 plus


I'm in the second group and it seems there is a difference in approach between beginners, those with limited experience and knowledge (myself) and those who, well, take things to a higher level.

_________________
We are all in the gutter but some of us are looking at guitars.

Its doable , just remember for each group you need a "sponsor" to offer a Prize

_________________
The Shallower the depth of the stream , The Louder the Babble !
The Taking Of Offense Is the Life Course Of The Stupid One !
Wanna Leave a Better Planet for our Kids? How about Working on BETTER KIDS for our Planet !
Forgiveness is the ability to accept an apology that you will probably NEVER GET
The truth will set you free , But FIRST, it will probably Piss you Off !
Creativity is allowing yourself to make Mistakes, Art is knowing which ones to Keep !
The Saddest thing anyone can do , is push a Loyal Person to the point that they Dont Care Anymore
Never met a STRONG person who had an EASY past !
http://wiksnwudwerks.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/groups/GatewayA ... rAssembly/

my suggestion would be 2 groups , with no restrictions on materials or cost...one group say 1- 10 builds and another 10 plus...with the idea that anyone may enter in the 10 plus, it would be nice to see something that might entice some of the pros back to the site to share builds and ideas.

_________________
MK5acoustics.com

I'm in, if I can manage the time.

Local woods sounds good. What constitutes 'local' should be up to the discretion of the builder. No point in complex rules.

Actually, I think even one group is fine. It'd make the new builders try harder, and the experienced ones might loosen up and try something outside the box.

I think that's a valid point, BUT....
I think, rather than trying harder, most new builders would just feel intimidated trying to compete with experienced luthiers and would not join the competition.

One group with a handicap system? Dunno how it'd work, just throwing it out there.

Urgh, a handicap system would be awfully complex?! This is really just for fun anyway, maximizing fun should be the priority IMHO.

While I still think one group is enough, the original idea of a 0-2 builds group and then everyone else is fine by me.

Everyone is going to judge and vote on different criteria. I guess we could also divide the challenge voting into categories, for example: Sound, Creativity and Craftsmanship.