Luthiery Links
Aspiring luthiers will sometimes write asking if Jim has openings for an
apprentice. Jim is currently enjoying working solo. He will be happy
to discuss luthiery issues with you, but he is not currently seeking
an apprentice.
We hope our Inside Jim's Shop section will become a useful resource for
luthiers and aspiring luthiers as it grows.
In addition, we offer here a small collection of links to some of our
favorite online sources of information about guitar making as well as some of Jim's online friends. For
a more comprehensive list, visit AG: The Acoustic Guitarists' Annotated
Guide to the Internet.
Bill Olson's web page.
Jim's oldest son Bill is a very accomplished saxophone player with a Masters Degree from Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. Jim and Sue are quite proud of Bill and his accomplishments. Be sure to check out his soundbites page!
John Pearse Strings & Accessories
Jim proudly ships his guitars strung with John Pearse strings
(typically phosphor bronze light gauge).
Frets.Com — A Textbook for Musicians and Luthiers
This huge site is the work of luthier Frank Ford, and it lives up to its subtitle.
It offers encyclopedic coverage of many aspects of acoustic guitar building and
is copiously illustrated. A highlight are many images from inside a guitar,
taken with a small remote camera. A must-see site for any aspiring luthier, or
anyone with a serious interest in the acoustic guitar. The site is available
on CD-ROM for faster browsing.
Hoffman Guitars
Charlie, like Frank Ford, has compiled a lot of information on repair issues
and building tips, as well as a showcase for his own guitars. Jim and Charlie have been good friends since the early 70's. Jim readily admits that
Charlie was a huge influence and extremely helpful over the years. They still enjoy "talking shop"
and sharing building tips and stories.
Keller Guitars
Michael Keller and Jim met many years ago when both were struggling guitar makers and wannabe "hippies."
Michael has a wonderful web site and builds first rate instruments.
Applegate Guitars
Brian Applegate is another "Minnesota" boy and friend of Jim's. Although still rather new to the business,
you can be sure we will be hearing more about Brian in the future. Brian and Jim also enjoy sharing a round of
golf from time to time.
Tom Anderson Guitars
Tom anderson makes some of the most incredible electrics on the planet. A true visionary, Tom was among the first
to use UV cured finishes and CNC technology. Jim has two Anderson electrics and is greatful for Tom's technical
advise and friendship over the years. If your looking for an electric, this is the guy!
Larry Robinson
If you have any interest in inlay at all, this site is a must see. Larry is truly one of the finest inlay artists
living today. Jim has proudly collaberated with Larry for many of his customers projects.
Larry has also written books and produced "How To" videos available on the subject of inlay.
Guitarmaker/ASIA: Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
ASIA is the leading professional association for luthiers in North America; Guitarmaker
is their publication. This site offers membership information about ASIA; subscription and
tables of contents for Guitarmaker (including information and order forms for
back issues), links to member sites (suppliers and luthiers), and information about the
annual ASIA Symposium. Jim is a proud member of ASIA and has given presentations at
several ASIA Symposia.
MIMF: Musical Instrument Makers Forum
"The MIMForum is the only web-based interactive forum for the discussion
of musical instrument design, construction, and repair; welcoming
builders of all instruments at any skill level from expert to wannabee.
Anyone can participate in the discussion forum; only registered users
can access archived discussions and participant-contributed files and
plans in the MIMForum library. The MIMForum hosts commercial ads for
luthiers and parts and tool suppliers, and free classified ads to
registered participants."
Famous Guitar Maker Internet
World Headquarters
This site features an extensive regional list of electric and acoustic
luthiers, lists of schools and study programs for luthiery, and supplies
various other information of interest to guitar builders.
It also hosts a wide variety of other topical lists of
'net resources of interest to guitarists.
Luthiers Mercantile International
A California-based "supplier of fine woods and tools for stringed instrument
makers." Among their web offerings is a downloadable PDF version of their
catalog, well-known for the many repair and building tips included among
descriptions of product offerings. They offer extensive wood and inlay
supplies; photos of many wood and inlay samples are on the site.
LMI also hosts information about the Healdsburg Guitar Festival.
