Posted on July 16, 2024August 22, 2024 by Dale Phillips In Memoriam: Kent Rayman In Memoriam: Kent Rayman August 22, 1949 — May 16, 2024 by Jeffrey R. Elliott Originally published in American Lutherie #152, July 2024 From 1973 through 1976 my shop was in downtown Portland, Oregon, where I had four full-time apprentices building and repairing guitars. One day in 1975 Kent Rayman walked in, introduced himself, and asked if he could interview me for the Guild of American Luthiers Quarterly newsletter. I did not know of the Guild yet, so this was my introduction; a fortuitous day for me if ever there was one. All photos courtesy of Jeffrey R. Elliott. With our common interest and passion for instrument making we became friends, and two years later, Kent began a two-year apprenticeship with me. It was during this time that Gary Bennett, a dear friend of Kent’s, began his comic strip “Kent ’n’ Jeff,” which ran in the GAL Quarterly for a time. Not only was Kent an adept student, but he brought with him a knowledge of machinery and jig making that benefited the shop — I’m primarily a hand-tool worker, so there was also something of an exchange, where the student teaches the teacher. We kept in touch over the years, which spanned several shops for Kent. An early one was shared with fellow luthier Christopher Burt, and together they developed the Oregon Bass, a full-scale upright electric solidbody instrument, complete with an end pin. Around that time, Kent also became an authorized Martin repair center, something he took great satisfaction in. Kent never lost his interest and love for instrument making, and in later years enjoyed teaching woodworking and the use of power tools to others, whether or not in the trade. I’ll remember Kent most for his thoughtful, careful way of working, his calmness in all situations, his reverence for the planet and all life, and his ready sense of humor. — Jeffrey R. Elliott
Posted on July 16, 2024August 8, 2024 by Dale Phillips Supplemental String-Action Data for the Spanish Guitar Supplemental String-Action Data for the Spanish Guitar by Federico Sheppard Originally published in American Lutherie #152, July 2024 Proper setup, neck relief, and string heights are critical to the sound and playability of the Spanish guitar, but little has been published on this important aspect of guitar construction and repair. The outstanding reference volume, […] To access this post, you must purchase Guild Membership – United States, 2024 + 2025, Guild Membership – Canada, 2024 + 2025, Guild Membership – Outside U.S. and Canada, 2024 + 2025 or Guild Membership – Outside U.S. and Canada, 2024 + 2025 Digital Only.
Posted on July 16, 2024August 8, 2024 by Dale Phillips A Simplified Larrivée-Style Binding Jig A Simplified Larrivée-Style Binding Jig by Jon Sevy Originally published in American Lutherie #152, July 2024 This binding jig is a variation on a popular jig attributed to Jean Larrivée. Many of us have made our own versions over the years, though nicely made commercial offerings are now available from several suppliers (Elevate Lutherie […] To access this post, you must purchase Guild Membership – United States, 2024 + 2025, Guild Membership – Canada, 2024 + 2025, Guild Membership – Outside U.S. and Canada, 2024 + 2025 or Guild Membership – Outside U.S. and Canada, 2024 + 2025 Digital Only.
Posted on July 16, 2024August 8, 2024 by Dale Phillips Cheap and Easy String Testing Cheap and Easy String Testing by John Huffman Originally published in American Lutherie #152, July 2024 Many years ago, a good friend and I partially completed an 8-string classical guitar together. It was forgotten and set aside on a shelf, and through several years and moves, the top developed a significant crack. On the untimely […] To access this post, you must purchase Guild Membership – United States, 2024 + 2025, Guild Membership – Canada, 2024 + 2025, Guild Membership – Outside U.S. and Canada, 2024 + 2025 or Guild Membership – Outside U.S. and Canada, 2024 + 2025 Digital Only.
Posted on July 16, 2024August 8, 2024 by Dale Phillips Make a Fret Press or Two Make a Fret Press or Two by Steve Kennel Originally published in American Lutherie #152, July 2024 Here are two variants of a fret press clearly derived from the usual retail sources. I’m grateful to them for the inspiration. This also may bear some resemblance to the pivoting jaw made for a Zyliss vise […] To access this post, you must purchase Guild Membership – United States, 2024 + 2025, Guild Membership – Canada, 2024 + 2025, Guild Membership – Outside U.S. and Canada, 2024 + 2025 or Guild Membership – Outside U.S. and Canada, 2024 + 2025 Digital Only.