Official Luthiers Forum!

Anyone going to the Gibson Custom shop party July 27-30th? It's in Nashville. They used to have them once a year, then they laid off for the last two or three years, so this is the first in awhile and is going to be a blast! Rick goes all out with these partys. I had no problem finding people wanting to go to this bash! On Stage jams, player clinics, new C.S. products and demonstrations, C.S. luthier clinics, lots of artists...lots of fun!

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Dave Bland

remember...

"If it doesn't play in tune...it's just pretty wood"

Dave; do you have to be invited or have any special credentials,etc?   thanks, tom

Dave--Is the custom shop at the same location as their main factory?
Nelson

I'll be at the Zootman's Custom Cottage and Party on that weekend!

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

Tom,
It is by invite only but if you want to go let me know I can get you on my list of guests.

Nelson,
It used to be right next door to the factory, although the acoustic build shop was a few miles away (near the grand ole oprey). Now they have a new Custom Shop built and I don't know if it's even in Nashville any longer. I do know the party is in Nashville. They usually rent buses to take the party goers wherever they want to go ( to the shops, dinners, etc.). Free food, drinks, entertainment, clinics...lots of fun.

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Dave Bland

remember...

"If it doesn't play in tune...it's just pretty wood"

[QUOTE=JJ Donohue] I'll be at the Zootman's Custom Cottage and Party on that weekend! [/QUOTE]


Believe me if I had not committed to this (to other folks) I would be at Goomps blast for sure. Now that's going to be a party! Hey don't forget to bring some Gannolies!

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Dave Bland

remember...

"If it doesn't play in tune...it's just pretty wood"

Dave--I understand that Gibson's mandolins, banjos and resonators are built in the "mall factory" at the Opry Mills Mall.   Visitors can view the factory operations thru plate glass windows from inside the mall.
Nelson

Yes, that's true. That was the "acoustic shop" I was refering to. It is right near the Grand Ole Opry. You can actually go inside and chat with the guys. Or just watch the whole thing thru the windows.The tour is usually done when the mall is not open to the public ( it starts like an hour or two earlier). It's pretty cool. So is the Custom Shop Tour, you can watch and talk to all the luthiers building archtops as well as the solid bodies. They all take the time to explain exactly what and why they are doing what they are. Then they answer questions and often let you take a try at it. It takes a full day to tour the Custom Shop and see how "they" do it. When I was there last, they even let you spray a L.P. drop top that you got to keep. The first time is the most fun...Now I go for the party and jams. Although, I am sure I will learn plenty.

They have this huge stage with lights and full P.A. and always invite a bunch of celeb players. This time they are going to have a special auction of old "road worn" stuff. It's basically 2 and 1/2 days of great fun at their expense. I like seeing what tools and jigs the guys are using. A lot are revamped StewMac, some are just straight out S.M. (the Gibson boys like to think they improve on alot of S.M.'s stuff). Many are their own. I particularly like their binding jigs for binding the headstocks. Mostly girls doing that and they are real good at it!Dave-SKG38896.6903935185

_________________
Dave Bland

remember...

"If it doesn't play in tune...it's just pretty wood"