Seattle Luthiers' Group -- Proceedings

Notes of Meetings Sept. '98 to May '99

From latest to earliest

Click here for reports of more recent events

Photo coverage of our exhibit at the 1999 Northwest Folklife Festival!

May 1999

Tuesday, May 11, 1999, about twenty, including visiting dignataries from the Seattle Folklore Society, gathered at the Viet My. In addition to the buzz about the Folklife Festival, there was news of some tools for sale and a reminder from Michael Gurian that the sumptuousness of the banquet is proportional to the number of guests planned for.

April 1999

Tuesday, April 13, 1999, a couple dozen gathered in Michael Gurian's lavish Pioneer Square headquarters; sat in rapt amazement as David Hurd discoursed (by speakerphone direct from Hilo!) on the techniques he uses for determining initial wood thickness and battling unwanted resonances; absorbed the wisdom of a number of seasoned local luthiers on the subject of voicing instruments; and listened politely to a suggestion that electronic devices could aid in these tasks. There followed some discussion of preparations for the group's upcoming exhibit at the Northwest Folklife Festival.

March 1999

Tuesday, March 9, 1999, a slightly smaller crowd enjoyed the fare at the Viet My restaurant, including the familiar deep-fried eggrolls, hot-and-sour soup, shrimp salad, curry, and mussels with a spicy bell pepper sauce. The hoped-for flan never appeared, but there was a lively discussion of Folklife plans and the possibility of a program on plate tuning at the next regular technical meeting, which should be on April 13.

February 1999

A complete photo article by David Brooks.

January 1999

Tuesday, January 20, 1999, luthiers again packed the Viet My restaurant, this time treated to thin-wrapped summer rolls, a sublime soup of asparagus and snow crab, salad with shrimp and carrot, deep-fried prawns, the world's best chicken curry and a delightful creme brulee.Organizer Michael Gurian welcomed us to the new year and asked that, in the future, responses be made a week before the event, out of courtesy to our hosts. Activist David Brooks reported on our bid to be represented as a group at the Northwest Folklife Festival, and spoke with those interested. Notions of trying a new venue for the regular dinner were summarily dismissed.

December 1998

Rob Girdis hosted the December '98 regular meeting in his new workshop at his home in Greenwood. Rob's shop is featured in the new book "How to Design and Build Your Ideal Woodshop," and, as icing on the cake, the book's author, Bill Stankus, was there as well, along with sixteen dedicated luthiers. Discussion ranged from top to bottom -- from the pre-fab roof to the electrically-heated floor -- and touched on governmental regulation, but lingered on dust control.

Rob also imparted one piece of advice he had heard from Richard Schneider -- don't start building instruments in your shop until it's finished.

"Hey! Guys! Look what Santa brought me!"

Again, attendance increased approximately 70% compared to the last "regular" meeting.

An attractive buffet featured dried fruit, smoked salmon, the traditional cookies, and spiced cider kept warm on a hot plate.

Those assembled were treated to the sight and sound of two of Rob's guitars (one of myrtle back and sides, one of koa) and of an old guitar he had bought and renovated. A supply of spruce tops from our friend Gary Rathke in Alaska was available for purchase, and there were also a couple of stacks of thin, non-bookmatched spruce for free. David Haxton showed the devices he uses for bolting necks. Paul Hass passed his hat for money for the postage fund.

Notices have gone out to those who would like to exhibit at next spring's Folklife Festival. A number of those present expressed interest in securing a space for the group, and David Brooks will investigate feasibility.

For the next regular meeting in February, Jay Hargreaves volunteered to talk about his use of vacuum clamps. Since Jay does not have space to accomodate the growing membership, David Brooks volunteered the use of his shop, a favorite with the crowd in October, subject to availability.

November 1998

The first regular bi-monthly dinner meeting of the modern lutherie era occured on November 10, 1998 at the Viet My Restaurant in downtown Seattle. Attendance exceeded thirty, by each of whom a good time was had etc., and the unanimous decision was to continue the tradition. Michael Gurian, the event's godfather, also issued invitations to his upcoming holiday party.

October 1998

Tuesday, October 13, 1998, saw our second "first" meeting at the shop of Antonio Kroger Guitars, hosted by Paul Hass and David Brooks.

Our numbers doubled to approximately ten. Refreshments were chips and salsa. Those in attendance saw a well-appointed shop, works in progress and some fine completed instruments. We resolved to meet regularly although some months could see poor attendance and some would be special occasions. By 9:45 we had loaded folding chairs into vehicles and sped away into the night.

September 1998

Tuesday, September 15, 1998, five luthiers met at the Seattle home of instigator David Haxton and discussed forming an association that would allow them to share information and companionship. They agreed to try to meet regularly, probably on the second Tuesday of each month, to try to reach a wider audience (beyond those who had attended the 1998 Guild of American Luthiers convention), perhaps eventually permitting compensation for important speakers. It was determined to ask the Guild for a Washington mailing list, and to establish e-mail contact with members where appropriate. Contributions were made toward mailing costs, and Mr. Haxton agreed to continue as secretary for the group. Turning to substantive matters, most of those present decried the shortcomings of both nitrocellulose and water-based finishes and expressed an interest in French polish technique.

Those present also had an opportunity to meet Mr. Haxton's gracious wife, Patricia; to glimpse his son, a promising sculptor; to try out a couple of guitars and see a couple more in progress; and to tour the basement workshop with its assortment of fascinating rosettes as well as tools and jigs.

The next gathering, on October 13, 1998, would be at the workspace shared by members Paul Hass and David Brooks.