This issue's cover shows the hundreds of luthiers at our recent 15th National Convention. We cover the exciting event with scores of photos and a complete rundown.
In Memoriam: Irving Sloane by Roger Sadowsky
Sadowsky remembers Irving Sloane as a Renaissance man, and surely just the work he did in the lutherie field would qualify him for that. He designed and produced tuning machines, a slew of hand tools, and three instruction books that no doubt continue to be the worthy introduction many of us have to the world of lutherie. He was also Sadowsky's father-in-law. This small remembrance is as nice as any man has had.
Sabicas' 1951 Marcelo Barbero by R.E. Brune
Frequent author R.E. Brune presents a full detailed plan of the 1951 Barbero flamenco guitar used by Sabicas to make his milestone American recordings in the 1950s. Also included is the very interesting life story of this significant guitar. The full-scale blueprint is available now as Instrument Plan # 42.
Meet the Maker: Paul McGill by Mark Bass
Nashville luthier Paul McGill makes light and delicate resonator guitars that are nothing like Dobros. And check out the interesting things he is doing with "foldaways" and "low shoulders." He is also well known for his classic guitars. And when is the last time you heard a luthier endorse Elmer's glue?
1998 GAL Convention Coverage by Bon "Flying Caps" Henderson
If you weren't there, too bad. But you can begin to imagine what it was like from this extensive coverage.
Meet the Maker: David Gusset by Jonathon Peterson
Award-winning violinmaker David Gusset talks about his learning experiences and his work with the finest of the classic period Italian violins. David has strong ideas about the "architecture" of violin plates and the virtues of the various national schools of making. We include his detailed drawing of a Guarneri scroll.
The Frame Guitar by Sam Littlepage
Sam Littlepage has developed a new way of making an extremely rigid guitar body. He gives a step-by-step explanation of building the Frame Guitar, in which the linings, rather than the top and back, are capable of bearing the tension of the strings.
Length of Newt's Tail by Width of Dragon's Hair by Ken Sribnick
Sribnick believes that consistent accuracy stems from shop standards. One set of measuring tools, one set of templates, one style of doing things. He makes a good case, too.
Meet the Maker: Paul Jacobson by Cyndy Burton
Classic guitar maker Paul Jacobson talks about his long and successful career and shows us his unusual and elegant way of making a neck-to-body joint. Paul used to have a job bumping trains into each other.
This issue is no longer available individually. Its contents are
included in The Big Red Book of American Lutherie, Vol. 5.
