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Questioning what someone says is certainly a good thing JJ. It does a few things. It holds those with knowledge in some kind of accountability least they get a big head. And it helps us to learn and understand better the things being conveyed.

We should always question those who have authority over us (Authority is given by the recipient remember, not forced on us by the "leader") but of course there should be respect in the presentation of the questioning.

We give authority to those who have knowledge and the luthiery community is IMHO good at doing this. Those who have been building and refining their methods for a long time like TJ, Rick Turner, George Lowden......(there are more, I just don't know them or can't think of them at this moment) have certainly earned there seat at the table of the "Great's". Now we don't have to agree with the way that they present their knowledge and wisdom, (I'm still learning here) but we should first learn about who is giving this knowledge and why they deserve our respect, they've been around a long time and some of them may be tired of conveying their wisdom but still chose to do it because they really don't want it to die with them.

JJ, I don't think you did anything wrong and I certainly don't think it's wrong to question ANYONE'S statements. I may not have liked the way that you presented your statements, but that's my problem too isn't it. I would just hate to turn someone like TJ off of this forum for a statement like "This was self-promotion at its worst".

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JJ I don't think there is any prob with you. So in my mind none of this is directed at you. The thing that sent me over the edge was the jerk comment.

However with respect to questioning statements that are untrue etc. I think it would be wise when talking to (or about) someone who has 20, 30, 40+ years of experience in this business and acheived a high degree of status amonst other luthiers and players to seek "clarification" rather than issue a challenge, or to offer the way YOU do things. It only stands to reason that if they can survive that long in this business they might actually have learned a thing or two along the way.

However, I think exploring their point (and questioning their methods) is all about approach.

Rather than saying "Hey... lots of people tap wood this is just a bunch of self promotional BS....." It might be better to say

"I guess I am unclear, I have heard people talking about tapping wood for years, are you saying you are doing it differently, using different language to describe what you hear, have a different philosophy about how to get the best sound out of your tops. I am not following, could you please clarify?"

And this process of asking questions will ultimately explain this in a way that does make sense, or it will uncover the weakness of the statement.

I think it is short-sighted (and rude) when people do not at least give the veterans of our craft the benefit of the doubt.

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

Rod & Brock...fair comments. I'm always open to improving my word-smithing skills. Thanks!

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

Hey, JJ I just want you to know those comments are not aimed at you... I am speaking "in general".

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

JJ, if i ever were to have fight(words) with you, i know i'd be the one who'd be wrong, you're a man of great judgement and questionning comments is a good thing, i always felt true respect in all your posts bro.

[QUOTE=Brock Poling]

Rather than saying "Hey... lots of people tap wood this is just a bunch of self promotional BS....." It might be better to say

"I guess I am unclear, I have heard people talking about tapping wood for years, are you saying you are doing it differently, using different language to describe what you hear, have a different philosophy about how to get the best sound out of your tops. I am not following, could you please clarify?"

And this process of asking questions will ultimately explain this in a way that does make sense, or it will uncover the weakness of the statement.

I think it is short-sighted (and rude) when people do not at least give the veterans of our craft the benefit of the doubt.[/QUOTE]

Well said, Brock.

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Todd Rose
Ithaca, NY

https://www.dreamingrosesecobnb.com/todds-art-music

https://www.facebook.com/ToddRoseGuitars/

JJ, I apologise if my tone or language was at all offensive to you or anyone else here.

Once again, we see how words when typed or recorded and edited can affect what we think and cause us to form opinions that may not accurately reflect the character of those that we misjudge.

Know this, I have the utmost respect for you as an individual, and the others here in this discussion. I just get a peaved a little too easily at times.

If you read my words, you'll see that I was just as guilty of ripping into my fellow OLFers as anyone was at ripping into TJ. Dang... I still have a lot of growing up to do...

Humblest apologies....

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