I’m pleased to say hello as a new member, former lurker, and lutherie enthusiast. When I started building my first guitar in 2000, I just knew I would be in it for the long run. Six years and six classical guitars later, I am certain that I will spend the rest of my life in lutherie discovery. As a biochemist, lutherie is my antidote to today’s high tech, virtual world. Somewhat ironically, it is today’s internet technology that allowed me to learn the important subtleties in guitar construction--through the reading of many different newsgroups such as this, and the contribution of many generous and talented people. I don’t know why I only recently found this group, but I’m very thankful to all of you for its existence.
I enjoy playing classical guitar, but playing has decidedly taken a back seat since I started building. I recently moved from St. Louis to the Philadelphia area and am currently building a new shop. I hope to start building a couple of steel string instruments before year's end because I think there is a lot to learn that can help my classical building.
Here are a few recent photos of one of my classicals in progress. The specs are: Engelmann spruce top, ziricote back and sides, snakewood binding, rosette of dyed and natural veneers, elevated fingerboard, French polished shellac.
Regards,
Gary Lee
Philadelphia, PA
