Official Luthiers Forum!

Just returned from the long drive to Mark Swanson's shop in Grand Rapids and it was worth every mile.

Mark is amazing...he literally makes everything from scratch. He actually has a box of abalone and native shells from which he cuts out and grinds his own inlay blanks. I don't know which guitar type I was more impressed with...acoustics or electrics...even winds his own pick-ups. I saw lots of creative jigs, fixtures and tools for both building and repairs. I felt like a kid in a candy store. Even got to play a few of his creations that played and sounded soooo sweet. My advice to anyone within 150 miles of Mark's place...attend at least one Tuesday meeting! I'll definitely be back!

Many thanks, Mark for the invitation and especially for the work and advice on the Strat wiring.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Hey, it was fun to see you again JJ! We had a good time didn't we? I enjiyed showing you some of my guitars and I can't wait to get the newest one all done so I can show you that one- and I want to play it too!
Come by again!

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Mark Swanson
Swanson Guitars
http://www.MarkSwansonMusic.com

Mark, what sort of shells are you using? Back on Labor Day weekend, Shell, the boys, and I went canoing and I grabbed several clam shells from the riverbed. MOP source?

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DES - Shepherd, MI

I live on the shores of the Grand river. I do indeed hunt shells there, and I use them all the time. Kurt gave me some that had a purple hue to them, and when I worked them down I got a lovely pink pearl! But most of the shells I get are really pretty nice with a snow white color. I'll bring some to the next meeting.

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Mark Swanson
Swanson Guitars
http://www.MarkSwansonMusic.com

On our excursion, I found a couple that must be nearly .25" thick in spots. I grew up between the Chippewa and Coldwater rivers and never did I see shells with such mass! If I ever get started, I'll have a decent starter supply. Darin Spayd38675.9141782407

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DES - Shepherd, MI