[QUOTE=redennis3] The Man of the hour, with the cleanest shop on the east coast[/QUOTE]
OK, OK, I have to fess'up...I don't actually LIVE there, and it's not my shop. I borrowed the house and shop space from a buddy because I have no shop. And those kids? Paid child actors - I never saw them before in my life until yesterday morning. And that food? Local convenience store hotdogs rewrapped. And the reason that shop is so clean? It's never used! Those tools were trucked in on Friday for the day. They go back to the rental store on Monday morning. Boy it feels good to get that off my chest!
OK, I've recovered from all the leftovers I had to eat last night, so here's my general impressions:
Paul Harrell brought what was possibly the loudest dreadnaught I've ever heard. Don't get me wrong; it was a gorgeous guitar, expertly made with lots of neat little doodads and light as a feather, but both of the guitars he brought just oozed with tone. Nice guy too, who gave use a sharpening lesson towards the end of the day. His handmade planes are not to be believed. I tried to steal the shooting board jig he brought, but he's quicker than he looks.
Robert brought his first guitar, which was wonderful. Thumped like a drum, and really is going to kill. Brad Nickerson gave it the once over and couldn't criticize it at all - and he wasn't being polite, either. It's good. Robert's a custom home builder, and my guess is that 2-3 guitars from now we're all going to see something special. And the guy is super nice. I wish I lived closer, he'd be a fun guy to hand out with.
Red and Matt Ennis: GREAT guys. Funny, full of life, generous. They're just now into their first guitar, and are getting into the swing of things. Although they didn't what they've built, it's obvious to me that their passionate about it. And Red generously agreed to let me come visit and check out his new Woodmaster sander - these are going to be serious builders. And I have to go along with Red. Paul Harrell played a bluesy rendition of "Windy and Warm" that was good. Hesh, Red (and wife) gets up your way weekly from what I remember. You should try and bump into them if it's close enough.
Waddy T: Infectious, detail oriented. Reminds me somewhat of a stately college professor, but with a great sense of humor - but you can tell he's very technical in nature. Waddy is building classicals, and unfortunately the others were all purely steel string makers...but I think he absorbed enough to make it a worthwhile visit. You know how there are just "some things" you know. These classicals are going to be good.
Ken Mitchell: Ken brought an almost complete LMI kit that is so resonant, it vibrates from people talking around it. He was a bit worried about the neck angle, but Nickerson said he had pretty much nailed it. Ken's a great guy, but his job keeps him busy and I don't see him post too much, which is a shame. Ken, I'll be in touch about lunch in Raleigh soon.
Brad Nickerson: As someone else mentioned, Brad doesn't hang out on the OLF (somebody has to actually build guitars, right?) but Brad is walking dictionary of building techniques - and a great guy. He didn't make it in until just after lunch, so we pounced on him and made him answer questions. Brad and I are friends, and he stayed a few minutes after everyone else had departed...he said he had a great time, and was going to check out the OLF. Maybe he'll become a member. If you're someone in the North Carolina area, trying to find a one-on-one guitar building teacher, get in touch with Brad.
Bob Kursar: I saved the sleeper for last. This guy has some serious building chops. He brought guitars 4 & 5, and they both RULE. His work is near flawless, his finishes are clean and his tone is good. He's sort of a quiet guy (isn't aggresive in his conversations), but I knew his work was high-quality when I first saw his guitar coming out of the car. Bob, if you're listening, I'd like to hang out sometime...clearly there is much to learn from you. Seriously ya'll, these are high, high-end guitars. Detail on par with anybody's, and so much eye candy it's hard to absorb it all.
So that was my take. GREAT get-together, and Carla and I loved having you all. Again, don't be strangers - life is too short.
Bill
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All right, way to go guys. I love a luthing party. Food and fun. Okay, who's the best guitar player in the bunch? Usually out of a group this size someone can do some business on the fretboard....
