New England Luthiers  

The New England Luthiers is an association of professionals and amateurs brought together by a common love of making stringed instruments.  Our goal is to share our knowledge and techniques with anyone interested in expanding their understanding of instrument making.  We provide open exchange of information and ideas geared toward the furthering of the craft, and a chance to spend time with others who have the same passion.  Meetings are casual and there are no dues.

If you have been fortunate enough to attend an Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans (A.S.I.A) or Guild of American Luthiers meeting, you know how rewarding and energizing the experience is. The New England Luthiers aim to keep that spirit alive between these national events.  Past meetings have included visiting members’ workshops, demonstrations of building techniques by professional and amateur luthiers, ukulele building and playing competition (our own Uke-a-palooza), and a listening session with Grammy award winner Ed Gerhard.

Join us in whenever you can.  Our doors are always open to new members.

• April Meeting in Brookline, MA

  Yes, after a long hiatus - we've scheduled a meeting for April 21th at noon.

  Burton LeGeyt will be hosting at his house/shop in Brookline, MA. He'll do a shop tour and we'll have time to check out instruments and catch up (it's been a while!)

  So, bring something you're working on, recently completed, etc. Burton has some great vintage machinery and is experimenting with carbon fiber neck reinforcement and custom fabrication.

  Remember, this is not Burton's old space on White Place. This is his NEW place, a short distance away. It's on the other side of Rt 9, and off of Walnut St. Parking should be easy.

  Burton LeGeyt
  32 Oakland Rd
  Brookline, MA 02445
  

• Please Help a Fellow Luthier

  On December 23 fire destroyed the home and shop of Raymond Sanville. Many of you know him as a Guild member (Granite State Luthier sub-group) and a person who has entertained and demonstrated at the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Fair at Mt Sunapee for many years. He does have some insurance which is helping him rebuild his home, but will fall woefully short in rebuilding his shop and guitar building and repair business as there was very little salvaged in terms of inventory, tools, benches and wood.

  Ray operated his shop in Grantham,NH for the past 16 years after over 30 years in the auto body business. He became a "Certified Luthier" in 1996 having studied under John Marshall at Luthiers International School in Atlanta, GA. Ray began building custom guitars in 2005, influenced by Master Furniture Builder and guitar maker Terry Moore and Master Luthier Al Carruth. He had his signature maple guitar favorably evaluated by Emmy Award winner and recording artist Ed Gerhard in 2007. Ray has been playing country and classic rock music since he got his first guitar in 1957, he and his Granite Mountain Band play at several different venues throughout New Hampshire and Vermont. In recent years he has helped several beginers learn guitar repair and building skills.

  Any donations of tools or materials can be made to Terry Moore in Wilmot, NH (603) 526-7770. Donations of tools or materials will also be accepted at Al Carruth's shop on March 17th at the Granite State Luthiers sub-group meeting. A method for accepting cash donations and plans for a benefit concert are being worked on by Bud Wilkes (603)763-2817, and Terry Moore. Announcements will be forthcoming. Ray is very thankful that none of his family were injured in the fire and for all of the well wishes and support he has received.

• 

  90.9 FM WBUR RadioBoston show

  A group of us got together with host Anthony Brooks for what we hope is an informative interview.
  
  We talked a bit about the NEL group, the OM Collaborative build, our own experiences as full/part-time builders, the upcoming show on Sunday, and assorted other topics including sustainable materials and why there aren't more women in lutherie - to name just a few.
  
  Thanks to Wade Sylvester, Bruce Burns, Fran LaMalva, Mike Mahar, Mike McCarten, and Burton LeGeyt for participating. There was a lot of great insight and experience to share.
  
  Check out the full audio, article and slide show at RadioBoston.

• NEL 2011-2012 Meetings
  

  
  

  We are in the process of organizing out 2013 monthly meetings. We will be alternating each month with our sister organization The Guild of New Hampshire Woodworkers Luthiers subgroup.

  If you are interested in hosting a meeting or presenting at a meeting, contact Steve Spodaryk.

• Tom Knatt's Luthier Workshop Summer Sessions

  
  

  Thomas Knatt will publish his schedule soon.

• Colonial Finish - Guitar Finishing

  John Kostigen, a local furniture finisher, now finishes guitars for Sylvan Wells' Bay State Guitars. With finishing many guitars under his belt, John is expanding and providing his services to all luthiers. John can be a great resource for people looking to outsource some of their finishing to a local painter.

  Check out John at his website.

• Build a Guitar with Scott Dixon
  Woodcraft in Woburn
  Nov 7, 14, 21, 28 & Dec 5
  www.usguitarkits.com
  info@usguitarkits.com
  

  
  

  Class Description:

  Learn how to build your own guitar with Scott Dixon. This class of 6 students is designed to take a beginner/ intermediate woodworker through the steps to make a steel string guitar from a unique kit. You will learn terminology and the techniques for many of the specialized processes to complete your own personalized instrument. The process is broken down into small steps to familiarize the student with the construction of the neck including truss rod installation, fingerboard & fretting, and construction of the body including brace trimming/fitting, top installation, bridge gluing/alignment, purfling and final setup. Each guitar will be completed leaving the final top coat finish up to the student.

  Class Dates:

  Monday, November 7, 14, 21, 28 & Dec 5, 2011 from 5pm-9pm

  Guitar Kit Description:

  Sapele Guitar Kit with Solid Spruce Top: Solid AAA spruce top, laminated sapele back & sides, rosewood bridge & fingerboard, shaped nato neck, deluxe sealed tuners, micarta nut & saddle, nickel silver frets, ABS binding, plastic endpins, adjustable truss rod, inlay material. Kerfing, endblocks and bracing attached. Sides are bent. Includes Hard-shell Case. Instruction manual included. Requires assembly and finish (not included).

Our goal is to share our knowledge and techniques with anyone interested in expanding their understanding of instrument making