Official Luthiers Forum!

I drove the 3 hours to Bryan Galloup's and it sure was worth the trip. Here's the scoop:

...The agenda was kind of free-wheeling this time but Bryan showed us his finishing technique. His attention to the tiniest detal was most impressive...I know surgeons who aren't as prepared before a major case. It was sure an eye-opener for me. Bryan uses Nitro and goes through a meticulous prep before he shoots the lacquer. He also follows a rigid protocol...every time. This one was a BRW and European spruce SJ with a very high price tag. Some lucky guy is going to be happy!

...We all got a chance to meet a new OLFer, Dave Collins who has recently had some interesting posts on adhesives. He worked at Elderly's before starting his own repair and restoration business in Ann Arbor.

...The highlight for me was looking through Bryan's stash of Braz RW and Amazon RW that he had for sale. I even bought a gorgeous set for a price that made the trip most worth while. All I have to do now is get the courage to build something special with it...perhaps in a year or so.

...Got to meet Mark Swanson and the MGL Mafia again. Those guys are meeting every week at Mark's. Sure wish I lived closer.

...Next meeting at Bryan's will feature fret work.

...Thanks for hosting the meeting, Bryan

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

It was nice to see you too, J.J. and I had a great time as well. I just love looking at all of the sights there, compared to my humble shop that place is heaven.
We missed Lance this time!
I bought a real nice set of Amazon RW for myself. Meeting David was good too since I have known for a while here on the web, but now I can put a face on him. Always good, that.
I wasn't able to bring anything new to show this time, but by the next meeting I'll have a few things done and I'll bring something to show.

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

Can you guys make sure to give us a heads up here in the main forum as you are planning the next event. I may try to make the trek up from Columbus.

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Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

Brock...the next meeting will probably be in March or April. It would be nice to have another out-of -stater (although the Michigan folks are pretty nice by themselves). I'll be sure to let you know.

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

Yes, sir, there sure was some nice zoot to be had! I just wish I could have taken some home! (no loot for zoot ) It was a good meeting, though, and I had my brother with me who enjoyed it as well. It still gets me that Bryan had this school there back when I was just 4 miles up the road getting a degree I don't even use anymore! Of course, 18 years ago I didn't know what lutherie was, or that it would consume me so! " Does not matter, 'tis in the past!"........and I'm moving forward! At a snail's pace, but forward nonetheless! Darin Spayd38733.9442476852

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DES - Shepherd, MI