Official Luthiers Forum!

Ok folks! I have some details about a new meeting for us.
I went up and spoke to Bryan the other day, and later to his "boss", Susan ...she takes care of scheduling things, among lots of other stuff. Anyway, she said that December 4th, a saturday, would be a good time for a meeting- what does everyone think?

Along with that, we spoke about what happens during the meetings past, and what we'd like to see. Bryan and I both feel that the reason for our group, and the only thing that will make it work, is the SHARING between the members! Sharing of all things we do, HOW we do things, WHY we do them, and WHAT we do it with. We need and want more participation during the meetings, and very understandably so far it's been most of us looking to Bryan to show us stuff...and he has done that, while the group mostly looks to him to "lead" the meetings and take charge of what we'll be doing pretty much. He'd like us all to step up to the plate!
So this time, let's have more "show-and-tell", each person bring something if you can. Show us how you do things, and don't worry if it's the "best" or the "right" way! If someone knows how to do it better, then you'll learn something! I feel that way myself about some of the stuff I do, and I am always looking to find a better way so maybe one of you will show me one- see how it works?

So let us know how you feel about the 4th of December, and think of what you want to bring and talk about. I will bring a couple of things to show I promise that!

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

I'm just a newb so I dont have much to add as far as show and tell, but I sure could use some inspiration and a kick start. I'm planning to drive down if work permits. Thanks Mark and Bryan, I look forward to meeting you guys.

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John S.

I presume this is in Big Rapids?

I'm there, Mark...I have 3 guitars in various stages of completion and will bring a few things to show.

What time should we arrive?

Thanks for arranging this!

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

Newbies are welcome, nothing will be asked or expected of you!
Yes, this will be during the afternoon, probably 1 o'clock, and in Big Rapids at Bryans' fine place.

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

Count me in! Ill likely have a slew of guitars in various stages, ill throw caution to the wind and bring one or two out in the COLD DRY tundra..

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

I just checked. December 4th is a Monday.CarltonM39014.7090740741

I think I have that date wrong, and Susan was talking about the 2nd! Thanks Carlton, and I'll double check it.....

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

I'm another newbie who would be quite honored to be able to attend. I'll mark my calendar.

Thanks for putting this together!

--Jim

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Jim Howell
Charlotte, NC

I'm sure I can make it that weekend. I'd be happy to put together some kind
of presentation If I know what people are most interested in. My time is
currently fully spent in the repair world, so perhaps setups and fret work if
anyone is interested? I'm setting up a bridge pin demo board I could bring
along. What do folks want to focus on?

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Eschew obfuscation, espouse elucidation.

David, I'd like to see your cartridge heaters and blocks, and check out how you use them. I just got myself some and I'm getting ready to make some blocks of aluminum.
And bring along some fish glue, too! And thanks, it'll be good to see you.

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

I'll try to get something together to present. I'll be without a computer for
the next few days, but I may stop by the library to check in if I get the
chance. Hopefully I'll be back on line by monday.

_________________
Eschew obfuscation, espouse elucidation.

Count me in for Dec 2.

HOT DOG! November 4th wasn't going to work, but this... this I can do. As for all you newbies out there, fear not for I've been around for a couple of years and still maintain this title as I have not managed to step beyond the obsession itself and into the realm of creation. It'll be nice to see the MGL gang again!

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DES - Shepherd, MI

Hello All,
I am Richard Finazzo, an aspiring apprentice in the world of guitar making who is currently at slow work on his first guitar. I'd love to make the drive up to Big Rapids from my humble home town of Kalamazoo but alas I have no idea were Bryan might live or any such details. Please fill me in on when/where and such.

-Il Finazzo

Richard,

I don't have the address right here, but Bryan's shop is a bit south of Big Rapids, so it makes it a bit easier for those of us driving up--that is if you don't drive by the appropriate turn-off like I did, and have to take the downtown exit, find the right road and drive back south.

Welcome to the MGL and OLF, and I hope to see you there.

Hi everyone! My name's Jack Spira, I'm an Australian, but Mark kindly made me an honorary member of the Michigan guild a year or so ago.
I can't come to the meetings but I really enjoy honorarily looking in every now and then and thought I should say hello!!
My best wishes and hope its a great time at the meeting!
jack

Hey Jack! How are you doing? It's good of you to check in, I really owe you a nice email and we should catch up. How's Joe? I missed you at the last GAL meeting in June.

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

Welcome, Jack! Indeed, all are invited to the MGL, so it's good to have international representation.

Thanks Mark, and thanks Carlton!
No need to email Mark! Joe is good, we met at an instrument makers exhibiton at a folk festival a couple of weeks ago in central Victoria. At the moment, the best opportunity for instrument makers here to get together is at folk festival shows. Not as frequent or informative as the MGL meetings, but at least we get drunk, and Joe managed to get us invited to a generous wealthy persons farm/ winery for a free feast in the evening!
Thanks for thinking of me Mark, I'm sure we'll get back over there one day!
Jack

Hey, the meeting is coming up quickly and I am torn on if I should make the drive north (I have been driving a ton as of late) or if I should work that day. I am leaning on making the big drive up north. But alas!
I need an address and/or driving instructions ASAP!
Thanks

Finazzo