Official Luthiers Forum!

Just found this website on Lutherie Trivia and thought I'd share it with you.
"Most of us know that the Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans (A.S.I.A.) holds a national Symposium every year or two, comparable to the Guild of American Luthiers’ Conventions. And most of us know that these two events are functionally comparable. Yet, their etymologies differ slightly, possibly in a way that can be seen as humorous. Convention comes from con (with) and venire (come, come together; venue, from the same root, generally means place, location, site, position or ground). So a convention is a coming together in a place for a common purpose, activity or discussion. Symposium, on the other hand, comes from syn (together: as in synonym, synchronous, synthesize, syntax, syndicate or synergy) and posein /variant of potein (to drink, as in potion or potable; or Poseidon, the water God) -- in other words, a drinking together. This meaning comes down to us from the Greek and Roman custom of having a convivial meeting after a dinner, together with drinking, for the purpose of having intellectual conversation and mutual enjoyment. Put in a more homely way, a symposium is your basic drinking party."

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"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

I did attend one A.S.I.A. drinking party... I mean symposium. Drinking seemed to enhance the learning for some. I managed to learn quite a bit without drinking anything stronger than Coke.My goal now is to attend a GAL gathering for comparison.
Donovan