Official Luthiers Forum!

It would probably behoove us all to assemble some form of agenda for
the next meeting, even if it be a loose one. There was some talk about
possible topics and contributions a few weeks ago and I would be more
than happy to present on one or two, but would like to decide on
some fairly specific topics. I know setup technique was a leading
candidate, and fret work was mentioned as well. Of course repair work is
where I personally have most to contribute, but I don't know to what
extent that appeals to the bulk of the attendees.

So what do you think? Who wants to focus on what, and is there anyone
else who has something they want to contribute (even if it's just a nice
meat & cheese snack platter )?

Do we have a specific block of time we would like to schedule around?
Perhaps aim for 11 AM to 3 PM. I haven't spoke to Bryan about this and
don't know what kind of time he is able to donate the his shop for. I don't
think it's necessary at this point to draw up a schedule per half hour, but
it would be nice if we could have a general plan of events.

Perhaps it would even be good to set aside a bit of time to discuss the
guild itself, and attempt to clarify it's purpose and goals. It seems Mark
has been assigned the (hopefully not involuntary) role of coordinator and
board of directors, and perhaps he is ready for some relief and help in
planning. Lance is of course donating his time and webspace, and I don't
know if there is any help he could use here.

If all goes reasonably well I should have my shop completed enough to
host the next meeting in Ann Arbor if folks are interested. I'll have to see
how many people attend though, as my shop is just over 1000 square
feet, and probably a third of that is being sectioned off for tool room and
spray booth.

A lot of thoughts I know, but better to structure them now then to spend
the first three hours of the meeting trying to figure out what to discuss
for the last hour.

So what does everyone hope to get out of this meeting?

David Collins39034.556400463

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Eschew obfuscation, espouse elucidation.

Good ideas well said, David. To tell the truth, I'm so lacking in hands-on experience that just about anything you can offer would be beneficial to me. I have done some fret work (badly), and man, I need some help! I'd definitely vote for that.

Thanks for stepping up!

David...setup is of great interest to me. Fretting would be most welcome as well.

As a relative newbie, I haven't mastered anything yet but one area where I might contribute is in the area of HHGluing tops and backs. That seems to scare a lot of folks and I was just dumb enough to fail to know the fear early on. I could bring a rim and back or top to demonstrate using gobars. I'd like to go first so I can let it sit for 3 hours before dismantling and taking it home though.

This could be our best meeting yet!

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

David, the idea of having an agenda is a really good one, I like it! I've never started or was active in organizing a group like this and I need all the help and suggestions that I can get! This is our group, and it is what we will make of it.
I'd welcome a setup presentation, and whatever else you have in mind. I also want to see a couple of your cartridge heaters!
JJ can do a hide glue demo, too. I am just finishing up a banjo neck, to convert an old four-string banjo to a five-string, and I'll bring that and talk about the things that I learned- it's a bit different from guitar neckmaking!
As far as that is concerned, I'd like to see some talk or a demo on neck shaping/carving. There's lots of different ways to do that, I'd like to see how the different folks do it.
Dan Sharp is making a nice F-5 mandolin, it's his first one and it's coming out nice. Maybe he'd like to bring that along...

So, those are some ideas, I think that we should have an order established that will make sure everyone knows what will be happening, and in what order. We'll firm up the time with Bryan.
I'll start a new discussion for the presentations...if you have something to talk about or show, please do it, and say so in the new discussion. Mark Swanson39036.4603935185

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