Posted on January 19, 2010September 10, 2025 by Dale Phillips Questions: Digital Photography Questions: Digital Photography by Byron Will, and R.M. Mottola Originally published in American Lutherie #81, 2005 and Big Red Book of American Lutherie Volume Seven, 2015 James from Cincinnati, Ohio asks: I’m switching from film to digital photography. I’d like to take photos to send to clients during construction and post on my website. I’d also like to take really good studio shots for my portfolio. I know this can’t be answered comprehensively in the Questions column. Right now I’m looking for tips and/or directions to pursue. Byron Will of Portland, Oregon answers: My experience taking photos of my harpsichords and other instruments and teaching digital photography at the community college here might be of use. You don’t mention if you’ve already purchased your digital camera. If not, I recommend you check out these websites that I’ve found very helpful for determining what to buy: www.dpreview.com and www.steves-digicams.com. Bear in mind that the quality of the optics is as important as the number of megapixels. Become A Member to Continue Reading This Article This article is part of the Articles Online featured on our website for Guild members. To view this and other web articles, join the Guild of American Luthiers. For details, visit the membership page. MEMBERS: login for access or contact us to setup your account.
Posted on January 10, 2010May 26, 2025 by Dale Phillips Letter: First Guitar Letter: First Guitar by Gretchen Weeks Brough Originally published in American Lutherie #45, 1996 Dear GAL, I am a new member, in the process of making my first guitar — a flattop acoustic cutaway. I became interested in lutherie when my husband needed a quality acoustic guitar and we couldn’t afford what he wanted. I asked a local luthier about learning the art, and his recommendation was to get all the books and videos I could find, and then buy a kit from Martin as a first project. This, we could afford! In AL#43, a letter from Mr. Rick Topf mentions computer aided design (CAD), and wondering if there would be any interest in drawings done in AutoCAD format. There certainly is! I am, by trade, a freelance computer drafter, working in AutoCAD format. Not only would I be interested in drawings anyone else has done in AutoCAD, I would be happy to offer my services to anyone who wants their drawings done in AutoCAD. Become A Member to Continue Reading This Article This article is part of our premium web content offered to Guild members. To view this and other web articles, join the Guild of American Luthiers. Members also receive 4 annual issues of American Lutherie and get discounts on products. For details, visit the membership page. If you are already a member, login for access or contact us to setup your account.
Posted on January 6, 2010May 20, 2025 by Dale Phillips Review: Appraisers Reference Manual of Authentic String Instruments and Bows by Thomas E. Florence Review: Appraisers Reference Manual of Authentic String Instruments and Bows by Thomas E. Florence Reviewed by George J. Manno Originally published in American Lutherie #11, 1987 and Big Red Book of American Lutherie Volume One, 2000 Appraisers Reference Manual of Authentic String Instruments and Bows Thomas E. Florence M & M Distributing Company 2465 South Industrial Highway, Ann Arbor, MI 48106 $175, and $30 for yearly supplements The author’s death has put the continuation of this book in doubt (1999). If there is one book that will be useful to any violin shop or maker who does appraising, this is it! Thomas Florence has compiled a complete sectional directory of authentic violins, violin bows, violas, viola bows, cellos, and cello bows that have been sold in the major auction houses in the United States and England since 1980. Each section is in alphabetical order according to the maker for easy reference. Every entry informs the reader of the catalog lot number, type of instrument, maker’s name, year the instrument was made, selling price (in U.S. dollars), date of sale, and what auction house sold the instrument. The manual can also be used as a price guide for collectors. Yearly supplements will include information concerning that year’s past winter, spring, summer, and fall sales, keeping the manual current at all times. Become A Member to Continue Reading This Article This article is part of our premium web content offered to Guild members. To view this and other web articles, join the Guild of American Luthiers. Members also receive 4 annual issues of American Lutherie and get discounts on products. For details, visit the membership page. If you are already a member, login for access or contact us to setup your account.
