Official Luthiers Forum!

I realize that this might be old news, but I wanted to tell of my experience at the June set up class, and the results, for me, of what I learned from Dave Collins and Hesh Breakstone.
I just re-finished a guitar I had built and sold to a fellow 1 1/2 years ago. My finishing skills have gotten much better, so I applied those to his guitar. (lacquer) I removed the bridge, and the neck (bolt on). This I did en gratis, as I like to see smiles on my customers face, and it really needed it.
Got it reassembled, strung it up, Buzzing strings. Ugh. So I took the opportunity to apply what I learned at AA guitars.
I went over the frets with my leveling beam, after making absolutely sure there were no loose frets. I did this with the technique taught by Mr. Collins. Re-crowned, polished, and filed the fret ends, went over the nut slots, again using techniques I learned at AA Guitars. The process took about 1/4th the time that I used to spend, and the results far exceeded what I've accomplished in the past . I'm sure I could lower the action a bit more, but the owner of this guitar is a bit of a slasher. I am going to go over the guitars I've built in the past using these techniques, and can't wait to play the results.
If you are a hobby builder, a pro wanna be, or a pro and are struggling, or feel like you could improve even a little, I highly recommend you sign up for one of these classes. Dave Collins is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge in Lutherie, and is very willing to share what he knows. Hesh, as well.
Very camera shy, though. These guys will meet you where you are in your skill-abilities, and won't keep any information to themselves.
You will leave these classes with improved skills and knowledge, guaranteed. It was worth every penny that it cost.
Hats off to Dave and Hesh.

_________________
"It is easier to fool a man, than it is to convince him that he has been fooled"
Mark Twain

Many thanks Dave and it was great meeting you and working with you too! Your guitar was excellent and reminds me that the bar is getting higher than it was for me a decade ago.

There is something to be said for having the confidence and now experience to understand what approach will help get ya where you want to go and then dive in and execute your plan. There's even more to be said when it all turns out as you suspected that it will and that to me is a great day!

My experiences were similar to yours Dave and after taking my one week "Set-Up" class with Dave that lasted three years.... (slow learner here.... ).... I went back to the guitars that I had built too and redid them all....

We have openings in up coming classes for anyone else who would like to learn what to do when the wood working project needs to become a guitar and a superbly playable tool for a musician. You can see our class description, schedule, and lots of pics of the guys here: http://www.annarborguitars.com/styled-6/index.html

And of course a big thanks to Dave R. for his very valued comments!

+1

Looking forward to October!

Don't let Hesh fool you with his humility. He's a very capable luthier, and together with Dave Collins will make you feel right at home in their shop-school.
Thanks again.


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_________________
"It is easier to fool a man, than it is to convince him that he has been fooled"
Mark Twain

[quote="Hesh"
We have openings in up coming classes for anyone else who would like to learn what to do when the wood working project needs to become a guitar and a superbly playable tool for a musician. You can see our class description, schedule, and lots of pics of the guys here: http://www.annarborguitars.com/styled-6/index.html

My #3, is a somewhat traditionally built D-18. I hit Dave's numbers on the initial set up, and he really hammered it looking for buzzes/weirdness etc. and right before we packed up, he said for a really heavy handed bluegrasser it was as good as it gets. He said for himself he would take it down further. I changed strings (D'Addario EJ-17's) last week, took the saddle down another .030" for me its perfect. Just spent a week at the beach and nothing moved, played the living you know what out of it and its time for another string change.......Hats off to the the guys at Ann Arbor Guitars

5 & 4 I suppose? Nice! My guitars and a few for others have really benefited from the techniques I learned at AAG

_________________
Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

Is that 5 plus, 5 even or 5 minus?


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Ah shucks guys....... Dave and I most certainly appreciate you and the great comments!

Greg looks great - you nailed the Martin spec of 7/64th" measured at the 12th (your double dot marker) with 13's on it!

We often hear that our students go back home and revisit what they've completed in the past AND often they take on some repair work too. One of the things that we offer and you really have to be in the classes to even hear that we provide this is once you have taken our classes if you need any help or advice in the future we not only provide it but we love doing it too. In the past couple of days we have heard from several of our former students with questions about things that they are doing that were not part of the course material. We are happy to help AND our former students are always welcome to come back and audit the classes at no charge. Be advised though... we likely will put you to work as an apprentice lending a hand with the new students when ever you can while here.

As of yesterday we have one remaining opening in the August classes and again these classes tend to fill up quickly. If interested shoot me a PM or call us M - F since we keep civilized (for us and our families.... ) business hours.

A huge thanks to the OLFers here too who are commenting on the classes - very much appreciated!!!!

5/64 maybe a smidge under at the 12th, need three hands

Ooo, I like that!


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