Official Luthiers Forum!

I'll be heading off to VA (Fairfax, to be exact) in a little under a month, and I was wondering if there were any places around there I could try out some fine hand-built guitars. Aren't that many here, and I'd like to try a few out, just to see what I can aspire to end up building, eventually.

Also, other than Steve at Colonial, any lumber/wood places I should check out? Not that I'm going to get much of anything else (it's time for a temporary moratorium on lumber aquisition. I'm almost at enough for 40 acoustics and about 8 electrics), but looking can't hurt, right?

Yeah, looking won't hurt

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Dave Rector
Rector Guitars

I am in Luray, VA which is about 90 minutes West of Fairfax. You are
more than welcome to come out and visit, see some guitars and see the
shop!

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Sylvan
http://www.wellsguitars.com

Fantastic! I think I'll take you up on that offer. I'll shoot you an e-mail when I've got some firmer plans and details.

[QUOTE=Dave Rector] Yeah, looking won't hurt [/QUOTE]

Are you implying I have no self-control?

*looks at pile of wood he might finish in about 15 years*

Oh. That.

Mattia,

I am 10 minutes from Fairfax. I can hook you up.

David Berkowitz of our own forum is in Capitol Hill. I've met him quite a few times when he was at The Guitar Shop in DC, though I'd bet he doesn't recognize my name.

Huss & Dalton is out in the Shenendoahs, and supposedly will give you a tour if you contact them in advance.

The Guitar Shop in DC usually has a bunch of H&Ds on hand, and usually several other nice hand built guitars, such as Threet, Everett, or whoever's guitars are passing through at the time. The owner doesn't like to show high end guitars to just anyone who walks in, but name dropping should do you wonders. Berkowitz built for him, and I'm putting together a couple for him now (on spec). Heck, if schedules work out, I'll happily go over with you.

There's other resources in the area. Shoot me an email - i'm too busy to type it all out right now.

Sorry Mattia, after seeing a number of your posts and pics of your stash I'm quite envious.

Or, "the devil made me do it".

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Dave Rector
Rector Guitars

I don't know when you're planning on being in the Metro DC area, but your welcome to come by. I'll at least have one if not more guitars together by next week that are scheduled for delivery to a dealer.

Roger, I do recognize the name and in fact we know someone else in common -- Liz Friedman.

All the best,

David D. Berkowitz
Berkowitz Guitars

Wow, much more response than I'd expected!

Anyway, the projected dates are between April 14th and May 2nd, give or take a few (I'm flying standby, can still make use of my Dad's free airline tickets for, oh, about a year, so I figure I should make the best of it!), and the only firm plans are for the last weekend of April (the wedding I'm attending, the 'actual' reason for the trip). I'll shoot all you guys an email.

I'm starting to think I should try to learn something half-way decent to play; building cuts into my practice time, and I need all the practice I can get!

[QUOTE=dberkowitz]
Roger, I do recognize the name and in fact we know someone else in common -- Liz Friedman.Berkowitz Guitars[/QUOTE] Ya, she told me about meeting you. She was gushing about your maple guitar. I had previously told her about your doing the baritones for Jennings, but I don't think she made the connection when she met you.

I met you one time too David, at the American School of Luthery, back in the late 90's. I think 97 or so but I'm not sure. I was the only guy that brought a guitar to school. If I remember correctly Dennins Scannell of True North Guitars was there at the same time.John How38428.7278703704

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Tickle your guitar daily, and it'll tickle you back.

Hi Mattia,
I don't have a shop...and I'm still working on my first guitar...slowly.
Why don't you catch a quick flight to Las Vegas and have some fun as my guest???
We can talk guitars and have a few laughs in Vegas.
Great sightseeing too. Wonderful cuisine and great concerts of every variety.
You are always welcome!!
Walter Kiralla WalterK38428.7593865741

Mattia,
You, David B.,Sylvan and any other forum members are more than welcome to visit my shop! My door is open to any instrument maker. From Washington D.C., I'm about 2 1/2 hours and it's all interstate. When you get to the States please call me or if you want, I can email you directions to my place.
Steve Roberson, owner
colonialtonewoods.com

Mattia, I'm in Arlington just next door to Fairfax. I don't have a completed shop to show you like the others but it would be great to get together while your here. Let me know your schedule and we will try and make some plans. I'll even check to see who is concert at the Birchmere.

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Don Atwood
Arlington, VA

Mattia,
All I can say is you gotta go to Steves.....you will see for yourself why carry on about his tonewoods.....I would say you could stop by here after that but you won't have any money left.....no wait, that's right you were "JUST LOOKING".....uh....yeah....ok......right...

Hehehe....Brian, that's the risk. I've already told my friend that if he comes with me, I'll have to give him my credit card for safekeeping, or something.

Don: Good stuff. Meeting other builders is always great. I'll shoot you an email when I have some firmer plans!

Mattia...Feel free to spend a few months visiting the US. You'd be welcome anywhere one of your OLF brethern reside. BTW...you're welcome in both Indiana and California where I split my time. Enjoy your stay!

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