In the Luthier Shop with Tom Ribbecke
Jay is just back from California where he worked alongside renowned luthier Tom Ribbecke for three days learning, being inspired and having serious fun! This all came about thanks, in part, to the folks at the Guild of American Luthiers. At the GAL Convention this summer out in Tacoma, Wa. Jay bid on, and won, a workshop with Tom as part of the annual auction.
As most guitar builders know, Tom Ribbecke is one of THE dudes when it come to luthiery. He has been kicking up dust and polishing up masterpieces for well over 40 years. His contributions to guitar design innovations are significant. Even more, he has given to the world of music, being both a talented musician as well as luthier, in ways that have touched and inspired countless folks. Tom served 10 years with the Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans (ASIA) and as President of the board of directors and his instruments have been featured in the Scott Chinery Blue Guitar Collection for the Smithsonian and in the Boston Museum. His list of accomplishments/contributions is vast.
During their three days of one-on-one time together Jay experienced the thrill of carving his first archtop and he learned a tremendous amount. It is a rare thing for Jay to be the student, given the number of workshops he teaches each year. This trip was a reminder just how important it is for a luthier to be a lifelong student. There are always new things to learn!
Many many thanks go out to Tom!
Here are a few pics of Tom and Jay and Jay’s first archtop …
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You can learn more about Tom at Ribbecke.com The following images are courtesy of his website.