Official Luthiers Forum!

So, what benefit do you get from membership? I'm definitely interested, but how worthwhile is it and what can I expect?

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Wes McMillian
Santo, TX
http://www.wesmcmillian.com

Check out their site: www.luth.org

They have synopses of the current and back issues of their quarterly magazine "American Lutherie." Good information. Like ASIA, they have periodic conventions, though theirs is always in the same west-coast area. I haven't been able to make it to one of those, but others here say it's big fun!

Wes, I suppose the main benefit for me is inspiration.
Yes, there are "how to" articles aplenty, lots of "where to find it" sort of help, but for me what I gain the most is the contact with so many talented, creative people. And after a while it tends to rub off on you. I have become a better builder by being a member of the GAL, and I've made some lifetime friends in the process.
Poke around on their website for a while, and see if there isn't something there to pique your interest.

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Wes,

I absolutely agree with Steve. If you like to learn then the more information you can find the better. Remember that members of these associations (ASIA and GAL) pay to keep the organizations running and THEN submit articles to further the pursuit of fine stringed instruments for free! That's what I like about this community, the HUGE sense of community. Join, support, learn and share.

Shane

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Canada

I would HIGHLY recommend becoming a member of both ASIA and GAL if you can swing it financially.

I understand Kevin's point from a few days ago, that just because you join the association and get your certificate that doesn't mean you are a "luthier". Certainly that is true. I am one of those newer builders and consequently I tread very lightly with the use of "that word" and with the marketing of my guitars.

But I will tell you what I think the two biggest values of membership are:

1) The magazine. And not just the ones you get in the mail, the reams and reams and reams of information you get from the back issues. I have picked up some unbelievably cool ideas from guys like Kevin Ryan, Don MacRostie, Bob Taylor, Todd Taggart and a ton of other guys who are icons in the field simply by reading their articles. That information is invalueable to me.

2) The human association. Our forum is great -- I truly love it, but meeting ASIA members face to face at symposium was really fantastic as well. And let's face it, not everyone hangs out online like we do.    I made friends with several guys who are bonifide luthiers -- guys I might not have ever had contact with through purely electronic communication. Case and point, every time I call Bill Moll, even about ASIA stuff, I need to make sure I have a pencil and paper handy because I am going to pick up a new idea, new supplier, or something from our conversations.

This is certainly a TON more value than the $55 (or whatever it costs) annual membership dues. I absolutely think it is worth it to join the associations.

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