Official Luthiers Forum!

Probably won't have much time for awhile to post or look. My dad has taken a really bad turn and things busy. I am going to end time in Maine short or downsize alot to go back and take care of things for dad and mom. Have some other issues that may require me to stay in Maine, and want to stay as long as possible and visit my friends that live this way, as you folks are definitely that. Way to many things more important than guitars now though and family tops the list. Enough of that downer stuff. I just wanted to give my very best wishes to all going to HB in a couple of weeks. I hope everyone of you have a great time and are prosperous in your trip. My thoughts and prayers are with you all for a safe journey to and from and the success in the endeavor to sell some fine guitars. I have decided as I can to be a collector, but my collection is going to be of the small builders who subsequently become famous and reap then benefit of those investments. I also am thinking of starting a stringed instrument store in the Branson MO area and anytime anyone here wants to put a guitar in it to sell, it will be done at no cost or commission to OLF members here. When it sells, all proceeds go to the builder fully. Don't know when this will happen, but a dream of mine along with my other work. The only high end guitars will be of the guys here and not the bigger production line folks. I will get with folks as it may come about to work out details and how it would work best for the builders. Haven't thought it all out yet. Main sells would be lower end production stuff, dulcimers and gear, but higher end stuff I want to the benefit of the builders here. Well will see all of you later and again best wishes to those going to HB and rest not going that the shop work is good for you and have fun, and enjoy the benefit of getting to build great guitars and learn to make it better for all
Stan

Great hearing from you again Stan...I miss you on the forum. Hope all goes well and hope to hear from you again soon.

All good thoughts and prayers heading your way.

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

All the best to you Stan..
Sorry to hear your father is not doing well. I will keep you and Dad and Mom in my prayers.
Keep your dreams alive!
There is a plan that God has for you.
Keep in touch when you can...we'll be thinking of you.
Kindest Regards, WalterK

Hey Stan, good to hear from you. You've learned a lot being in the Bourgeois shop I'm sure. We'd love to hear some of those things that stick out in your mind.

Also, you gotta take care of the folks. They are your only folks, and many here have cared for parents and know precisely what you are going through.

How's the weather in Maine? It's hot in Arkansas, but nothing like it was a few weeks back. Lower temps in the 90's and lower humidity too. My thermometer recently hit 104.7 F in the shade on the north side of my shop.

Yes the Bourgeois shop is great and have learned alot doing 8 bodies a week. John Mayes has put alot of what I have done and learned on his great videos, but nothing like just doing it. Most of what have learned is the prep work. That is a fundamental never really thought of before, but most important. Easier to do the work of attaching and gluing and cleaner work with taking the time and doing good initial prep work, whether on braces and stock, to bending rims or setting necks. Weather in Maine is great. Warmer inland, but I live right on the water in across from Old Port in S Portland so alway mild. Probably not in the winter though. Relax by walking a 100 feet or so, getting clams and then catching striped bass of 16" to 30" as they are in and fishing good until late fall. If have to move back sooner than planned, will miss it greatly. Lots of bluegrass and a guy Scott Conley who a really great builder nearby is a really good bluegrass picker also with the Muddy Marsh Band (or close to that) Oh yea will have alot of good jigs and cauls to share when can for the prep process. Okie dokie from Dana to share. Vacum press is also first on agenda. Once do that it spoils and hard to go back. If someone knows how to make them, a big time profit there. Just a humble suggestion to enterprising builders of jigs. I am not, but going to give it a try and if successful, well there will be some for sale cheap

Stan, it's great to hear from you again. I was just wondering how you were doing the other day.

Sorry to hear about your father. Good luck with all that may involve and enjoy as much of Maine as time permits. It's a beautiful place.

   Life happens. I am hoping the best
john hall