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That time frame sounds good to me. Any suggestions as what to bring? Topics to discuss? Other ideas?

Karl

Looks like there are 11 people interested at this time: JJ Donohue, Steve Courtright, Turbo 411, Kdguitars, Pwoolson, John Elshaw, Kmason, Brett Sutton, KentF, Kris Chae, and myself. Not sure how many will actually be able to make it, but we should start thinking about what we would like to do.

I would think that we want to have in progress works and completed instruments available for all as a start. Like Karl asked - topics? I'll throw a few out - home made jigs, woods, how do you build?, newbie questions, finishing...?

Does the time frame I suggested earlier work?

Ray

Ray,

I think your proposal for time and activities are perfect. Are you going to PM us with your address and phone #?

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"Building guitars looks hard, but it's actually much harder than it looks." Tom Buck

[QUOTE=SteveCourtright]Ray,

I think your proposal for time and activities are perfect. Are you going to PM us with your address and phone #?[/QUOTE]

I'm not a builder, but I'd be interested in coming. I live close and could bring my Tony Karol bubinga/sitka guitar to show off. I'd love to play the guitars from the other builders.

Mark Banach

Elk Grove Village, IL

Sure, I am sure it is fine, and I would love to see one of Tony's fiddles and meet you, Mark.

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"Building guitars looks hard, but it's actually much harder than it looks." Tom Buck

I PM'd all with my address and phone number. Let me know if I missed anyone. Also, please let me know if there is something else we should plan for. Is anyone planning to bring their kids or spouses? Just looking for a total head count.

BTW - I don't plan on really cleaning up my house, hope that is okay. We have a "lived in house", small, but friendly and we plan on keeping it that way.

RayRay L39112.9659375

Oh yeah, any dietary restrictions? Beverage suggestions?

RayRay L39112.9665856482

Ray;  Do you have room for 1 more newbie?  Sounds like I could learn a ton from everyone.  Not to mention the joyous sounds of fine guitars.

Ray,

I may also be able to attend if you still have room left.

I assume guitars in progress or finished instruments are welcome. I'm just finishing (literally) my first so I have a hundred questions as to how others have tackled the typical problems. It might also be worthwhile if some interesting b&s sets were brought along by those who have them tucked away. I know my exposure to many of the lutherie woods has been limited to internet pics. I have a nice Black Limba set I could bring. dmills39113.5963541667

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Doug Mills
Chicago, Illinois

Hey Guys,

Just an update. We are still planning to meet on February 17th at 2:00pm till?? I did send out my address to all who indicated that they were interested in coming. If anyone else is interested or if I missed anyone, please PM me.

Ray

Looking forward to the meeting, Ray. Got your addrress and Phone # and I'm good to go.

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

Ray;

Got the info.  Looking forward to it.

Kirby

As it appears that there are quite a few newbie builders interested in coming, I would like to offer any of my tooling for you to use when you come. Maybe the most useful item would be my thickness sander - can sure save anyone a lot of time when preparing sets. PM me if you have any special needs.

Also, if you could let me know by Thursday night if you are coming (not mandatory at all) it would be helpful for figuring out the snacks and beverages.

See you all on February 17 - that's this SATURDAY at 2:00pm.

Ray

Looks like the weather will be okay, warmer with a few flurries. Looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday!!

Ray

Me, too!

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"Building guitars looks hard, but it's actually much harder than it looks." Tom Buck

Bring some wood!  I have some interesting chunks of spalt and burl that I've set aside for my next rosette that I'll also bring.

If anyone has any inlay or marquetry work (guitars or other projects), I'd love to see it and discuss installation tips. I just finished my first headstock inlay and let's just say it exhibits a vast potential for improvement.

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Doug Mills
Chicago, Illinois

By 2:00 tomorrow I may have my second top voiced.  I'll bring it with for the groups opinion.

Kirby

Guys - thanks so much for coming - had a fun meeting! Here are some photos:


JJ & KentF trying out a couple of guitars


One of Kdguitars Electrics


Shot of most of the group that came.

Let's do this again!

Ray

I just returned from the 3 hour trip to the first Chicago Luthier's Guild Meeting. My sincere thanks to Ray for hosting the meeting at his home. Ray and his wife even provided a wonderful Lasagna dinner for all of us...surely a standard was set for future meetings!

It was great to meet so many of our OLF brethern that we've all come to appreciate from the forum. The quality of guitars was outstanding! I think there were about 10 guys in attendance and over 20 guitars to appreciate. Of particular note for me was Ray's gorgeous maple archtop...very special. One other treat was the quality of playing by several of attendees. I swear I heard Wes Montgomery and Leo Kottke playing in the background!

Many thanks again Ray...it was a great meeting, I learned a lot and had a wonderful time.

One suggestion...would it be possible to assign names to the folks in the group picture?

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

What a wonderful host so, "Thanks" to Ray and his very lovely family, who all pitched in to make us feel welcome.

It was great to meet everyone, especially those who give su much to the OLF - Yes, I am talking about JJ, who gets the "Sore Butt" award for traveling the greatest distance to attend!

Cheers to all the builders and players who shared their guitars and hard-earned lessons. A big "Wow!" to all of the gorgeous guitars passed around. I had a great time and now I am in love with Bubinga and curly Maple, Sapele, and bearclaw Sitka, and, and, and...

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"Building guitars looks hard, but it's actually much harder than it looks." Tom Buck

Okay, I'm gonna take a stab at this - please pardon me if I get it wrong or forget someone who came (maybe we should have had a sign in sheet and name tags - next time).

In the photo: Steve Courtright is on the floor with Luke our dog attacking him. From Right to Left (it's a Chinese thing) Kevin Mason (Kmason), Kent Fishburn (KentF), Dale Kirby (DRKirby), JJ Donohue (in the Salmon Colored Shirt), Doug Mills (dmills - in the green jacket), way in the back - Corey Willis who is our kids guitar teacher, Myself - Ray Lee (Ray L), and Karl Dahlman (kdguitars). Not pictured, Kris Chae (kris), Turbo 411 (sorry, I forgot your name - yes we can figure out a ES 335!), and Norma Kirby (Dale's very supportive wife).

It was amazing to have all of the guitars around - I think we should plan on meeting in maybe six months (end of August/beginning of September). My wife says we can host a BBQ or if anyone else would like to organize the next????

Had a great time - thanks again to all who came.

Ray

Thank you Ray for hosting the first ever Greater Chicago and points east OLF gathering.  What a great group of people willing to share anything and everything they know with those of us just starting.  Can't wait till the next get together.

What would happen if one was hosted in Indiana to give JJ's but a rest while the rest of us from IL and MI put on the miles?

Kirby

Far Right is Brett Sutton. I think Kevin is in the green jacket (Doug had taken off for home by the time the photos were taken).

Edit: I lieu of "Sore Butt" it should be the "Iron Butt" award.

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"Building guitars looks hard, but it's actually much harder than it looks." Tom Buck