Official Luthiers Forum!

WARNING: This video contains explicit language and a butt shot...... but it is still cool IMHO and I thought that some of you might enjoy it. Please know though in advance that the language in the video is not suitable for everyone.

Thanks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psKLqMRQkMk

Interesting...and what a relief! Nice to see the creative process and personnel involved are under no rigid restrictions that may inhibit free expression.

Hesh...This is tame compared to some of the towel snapping that goes on when the lights go out at the OLF. It's a good thing nobody monitors PM's and emails. At least, those are some of the rumors I hear about!

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

Yeah JJ I agree on all points. It also occurred to me that Tom may be running a program for wayward........ individuals......

I just thought that it was fascinating to see the highest levels of professionalism that produce Tom's $25K guitars......

BTW that is not criticism - far from it - Tom seems to have discovered that creating a work place that is a reflection of the most important asset that any organization will ever have - it's people - leads to success for all.

That wasn't quite the view we got when the Northern California Association of Luthiers (NCAL) got together last weekend at Tom's shop. I think we missed out on the real deal.

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Ken Franklin
clumsy yet persistent
https://www.kenfranklinukulele.com

That is an outstanding peek into another world. What an interesting cast of characters and group level of tolerance for people that are really not quite alike. Playing off one another really does keep the creative juices flowing. That could refer to this place also!

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Jim Howell
Charlotte, NC

"Yeah JJ I agree on all points. It also occurred to me that Tom may be running a program for wayward........ individuals...... "


I spoke with Tom NAMM, and he had DVD's and video of this project, and If I remember correctly that is exactly what is going on here. These are kids in need, just like the projects you see with horse farms, etc..
I may be less or off on the details, but I am almost sure that is what he is doing.

Please correct this if it's wrong information.

CL

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www.handcraftinlay.com

It was good to have a sneek peek into someone's shop to see how they do things. I'm glad he has found some creative outlet for these individuals that otherwise would wander through life without a purpose. I've never heard of him, but it looks like he is making world class guitars. I have always believed that a fun workplace is a breeding ground for creativity and it looks like this shop proves that point. Having said that, I will also say that I'm not exposed to this kind of language on a daily basis.

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Reguards,

Ken H

Thanks Hesh ,and also thanks for checking with me first before posting, I appreciated that.

I think this video is great! There is a hidden message in this short documentary that Ken touched on. That is
what a great guy Tom must be to higher folks that may have stumbled once or twice in there life, and also to
hold on to them through the rough times. I think that speaks volumes for his character!

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Support the OLF! Bookmark our STEWMAC link Today!
Lance@LuthiersForum.com

Yes - and remember that if you are in a shop like that one and cut off a finger, get to it fast for the hospital to re-attach it before Mike eats it

My favourite two Tom Ribbecke lines were when examining a broken side he says to the camera "The good news is I think I can fix it, the bad news is it may be your guitar" and "Really what it is, is it's about that 5% orgiastic chance to get your hand near the face of god and it's about 95% total sasuage making".

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Dave White
De Faoite Stringed Instruments
". . . the one thing a machine just can't do is give you character and personalities and sometimes that comes with flaws, but it always comes with humanity" Monty Don talking about hand weaving, "Mastercrafts", Weaving, BBC March 2010

Fun video! I met Tom and Mark and a couple of the others at the NCAL meeting the other weekend also. Tom is a great guy. Salt of the earth!!

I put a few photos I took at his 'shop here, if you're interested. Bear in mind that this website is NOT the official NCAL website (yet....).

Dave F.

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Cambrian Guitars

"There goes Mister Tic-Tac out the back with some bric-brac from the knick-knack rack"

I think that I am going to adopt some of Tom's ideas - more specifically working in my shop with my pants down..........

And you guys know how I love to post pics...........

That was simply sensational. I loved it. Gives me a whole new respect for Tom. Some things that stood out:

I love how those luthiers who were part of the Blue Guitar Project still get their props. And I'm blessed to have one as a good friend.
I love the interaction of those zany characters. What a Saint Tom must be.
I wonder how many people who see that video have any idea what a teabag is.

Bill

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Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

I can agree Tom does throw the best party.




Matt

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Having fun building guitars

Hesh, no moon shots PLEASE!!!!