GEORGE THOMAS, guitar maker, had a nice idea the other day. He invited ten or twelve local luthiers to his workshop for a beer and a little conversation last thursday.
Here is George presiding over the chips and salsa, George, a former museum director is a fine luthier and makes lovely guitars in his retirement. I have often gone to him for assistance, He has been a fine and valued mentor.
 Michael Flaherty brought along one of his new uses which is being tested by one of the boys. |  A shot of part of George's new workshop built in his back yard. This is about 1/4 of its area. It was nice to meet some other people with the passion for making instruments, most of whom I had not met before. Only three people brought instruments but the ones they brought were very interesting. |
This is luthier John Rollins with his medieval guitar. John specializes in Lutes and Baroque and Renaissance Guitars. I was told that this instruments design dates from the mid 1500s. It has four sets of double strings and a single 1st string and to my amazement the sets were tuned GCEA just like a ukulele. I was told that that was their original tuning-this was indeed an early fore-runner of our modern ukes.
I was intrigued to learn that medieval frets were sheep gut tied around the neck in the appropriate place. John had tied his frets using a synthetic cord but It looked like gut to me. Interesting that the instrument played just like a ukulele. The familiar chord shapes produced the familiar chords.
This instrument was truly unique. this fine craftsman is John Ryan and his instrument is a scandinavian instrument. Played with a bow in one hand the other hand operating several dozen keys. He played it quite well and it had a lovely sound
Just imagine the labor and skill it took to research, design and build this instrument. Truly impressive!!
Think I will stick to ukuleles.
Think I will stick to ukuleles.
