June 11, 2008

I’ve been conversing by email back and forth with Michael, the bloke who found my blog through Google and wanted me to build him an OM-15 (Martin) copy.  A recent email from him got me to thinking that what he really wanted was to build guitars himself.  I suggested that fact, and he responded today.

“Hello again Stephen

My apologies for not getting  in touch with you sooner via email or phone…I had some business travel last week, and a full weekend with the extended family.

I wanted to thank you for this note, it really got me thinking a lot about what I really want. You are on the money with your assessment about my desire to potentially build a guitar myself.  My interest in custom guitar building has always been a passion of mine, but always from the outside looking in. I love wood, and I love art and I love music.  You made me really consider WHY I want a custom guitar. And when I really think about it, it isn’t the fact that I NEED a custom instrument for my playing. An off the rack model is more than sufficient for my talents. It is because I want to be involved in the process of creation. I want to have something that I had a hand in designing.

So when I thought about this, and spoke with my father, and my wife, they both urged me to give it a try on my own. So I am going to give it a go, and try to build a kit myself. I am sorry that this means I won’t be commissioning one from you. You have been a true inspiration, and I feel very lucky to have stumbled on your weblog. I want to thank you for your time and for your offer of help…I may very well take you up on that in the near future.

Stephen, I really want to thank you for inspiring me to take the plunge. It may turn out to be a disaster, but at least I will have tried! I am sorry that I won’t be ordering a guitar from you at this time. Who knows what the future holds however.”

So, keep your eyes posted for new guitarbuilding weblogs spawned by (as Little Richard would say) ME!

But, even though I’ve lost a customer, maybe I’ve gained a student.  And, it gives me room to think about what guitar 0508 should be.  After building a few and thinking about what I need for my own collection, I think about a cutaway, a dobro, and my own parlor as options.  I’ve still got months of work ahead finishing up 2, 3, and 4, so don’t need to box myself in with a decision just yet.