Official Luthiers Forum!

I'll be finishing my 4th classical guitar the end of Jan and would love to visit a local luthier in California to have it evaluated for craftsmanship and quality, and to pick their brains on how to improve my work, craftsmanship and finish. I sold my 3rd to a local guitar teacher and he absolutely loves it.

Are there any local luthiers near the Central Valley (I'm in Manteca) that would spend an hour or so with me on a Saturday to chat? I'm self taught using books and vids, so if you're so inclined to share some of your experience, I'd love to visit.

My goal is to build a quality high-end student classical guitar and then market to university students to give them a better playing/sounding classical than a factory Ramirez or Takamine. I've already spoken to the Classical Guitar departments at the Modesto Junior College, and Cal Pacific in Sacramento.

Please let me know if you're available, and once I'm done (it's in the finishing process right now), I'll drive out for lunch. Also, if you're ever driving through highway 99 and 120, drop me a line and come in for a coke.

Thanks in advance,
Steve

hey steve, im not in any place to act as critic of anothers work, but i am in the central valley (though a little ways from you). ive been thinking for some time about a central valley get together. not sure exactly what that would entail, but i think it would be fun. hopefully you find someone near by you to help you along in your build evaluation.

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sweat the small stuff.

"My goal is to build a quality high-end student classical guitar and then market to university students to give them a better playing/sounding classical than a factory Ramirez or Takamine. "

A nobel goal. But you are not shooting at that market to make money are you?

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http://goatrockukulele.com

Until I get enough builds down to ensure high quality/consistency, it will keep me building. I would say, however, my Takamine H8SS cost me $3K. Also, serious students, end up teaching/performing and puts your guitars in the hands of people who can market for you.

Steve

Hi Steve,

Why don't you bring it along for show-and-tell at the next Northern California Luthier's meeting (NCAL) on Sunday January 15th (yep, next weekend!) at Ervin Somogyi's workshop in Oakland?
There will be loads of luthiers there who will give you all kinds of great feedback and critique.
I can email you the details of the meeting if you want (or anyone else who wants them also) - please PM me with your email and I will send.

Cheers,
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"

That sounds great. Can you PM me the information?
Thanks,
Steve