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Tuesday June 11th, 2002

And So it Begins

Yesterday the wheels were set in motion. I have commissioned my friend Bill the luthier/guitarist/flautist to make me a handmade Spanish flamenco guitar. He spent several months last summer in the Saskatchewan high plains learning the art of stringed instrument making. He now has a nice shop set up here in Brooklyn where he is fast becoming a well-known and respected repair man. This section will chronicle the making of this one-of-a-kind guitar from start to finish.

We got down to it yesterday, by drawing out a rough shape for the body. An interesting task. I drew half the shape on a piece of poster board, then Bill would look at my drawing and touch it up, by making the curves a little more natural and sexy. Then, once we had something we were happy with, we cut the half-shape out, traced it onto another poster board, flipped it over and traced out the other half. This was a lot of fun! This picture shows the "final" shape. We based it roughly on standard-size measurements, but put it somewhere in between classical size and flamenco size. This means it will be probably on the smaller side, but with a very unique personalized shape. The next step is to live with and look at this shape for a while to see if I am truly happy with it. I think I will be.

Posted by Jamie
Comments: 6

Comments: (6)

gorgeous. i imagine it will look just like this when it's finished.

there is no finer guitar than this baby right here.

Posted by pete on 6/11/02 at 10:13 PM EST

ohmagawd!!!!
it scares me just to think that you were able to find this gem. but actually, that's pretty much what i had in mind.

Posted by Bustamelon on 6/11/02 at 10:48 PM EST

I took the guitar building course in Saskatchewan at the same time as Bill last year about this time. I know his work ethic. Trust me, you are going to LOVE your guitar when it is complete.

Posted by BigMike on 6/13/02 at 11:41 AM EST

now that is crazy! the world keeps on getting smaller. so you were in the class with Bill. unreal. well, you're right. i know his work ethic -- he'll spend an extra 6 months making sure it's *absolutely perfect*..... ok by me.

Posted by Bustamelon on 6/13/02 at 11:53 AM EST

god that is a sik ass guitar ive nevr seen anythin lik that.....can anybdy actually play that thing? and if so wats teh name of the band

Posted by john cooper on 1/23/04 at 9:07 PM EST

WoW! That is one different looking instrument. I've never seen such a unique mixture of strings combined together. . . and so intricately to boot! I would love to hear someone play it! I also enjoy the flamingo theme. Have fun with your new guitar!!!

Posted by Donna on 7/20/04 at 11:40 PM EST

Your 2¢

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