We
had a good turn out of about twenty folks. There were several new
folks and some fine looking first guitars. The highlight of the
event was our guest performer James Wirth playing a modern lute
that he and Bo developed. This eight string boldly departs from
tradition with features such as modern turning machines and a less
cumbersome body shape. It was their goal to sound like a proper
lute, while simplifying construction and making a more player friendly
instrument. |
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James'
virtuoso playing was a genuine crowd pleaser. He played
several Bach pieces and honored our builders by playing
their instruments as well. If you are interested in hearing
James play, contact
Bo or e-mail James
about getting his CD "Heaven Speak" by James and
Mary Wirth.
Bo and
James plan on collaborating on the development of a 14 string
lute in the near future check our tech notes page for a
construction story. |
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Steve
Holstein joined us for the first time. This is his second
guitar. It is based on '59 Gibson Les Paul Standard built
from Stewart McDonald plans. It has a mahogany body and neck.
The top is flamed maple from Bo Walker. The fingerboard is
rosewood and the Peg-head overlay is a beautiful piece of
rosewood also from Bo.
Steve
stuck pretty close to the letter of the Gibson plans, but
did use a Stew-Mac dual action truss rod which is much more
responsive than the one way rod that Gibson uses. The pickups
are from Custom Shop Parts in Tampa, FL. They are very smooth
PAF style humbuckers and are 1/4 the price of the Gibson equivalent.This
was his first attempt at a sunburst as well as pearl inlay.
Pretty impressive! We can't wait for the next one. |
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is a first instrument by Mike Doughtry, who also joined us for
the first time. It is a Flamenco style with ebony friction pegs,
an Engelman spruce top and cypress back and sides. The neck
is Cuban cedar. Mike sealed the inside of his guitar with a
coat of black lacquer for stability and appearance. |
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Steve
Kinnaird brought along his pair of matched Koa guitars. They
are made from a single book matched filtch. One is a six and
other a twelve string. To see more about these check his
member page. |
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Steve
also showed us a really neat holding jig that leaves the side of the
guitar totally unobstructed while holding the instrument tightly.
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