When I started this blog I thought it might be a good idea to have a concert calendar for classical guitar.  Absolutely anyone could announce their concerts, professionals and amateurs alike.  No venue would be too small.  People all over the world could use it.  The problems with this idea were the same ones that everyone runs into when trying to do anything on the internet:  1. A system whereby each person could input their own concerts and 2. Spam.  I was advised that it would fill up with spam in very short order unless I verified every entry.  Needless to say, I just don’t have time to do that.

So while that idea is out of reach, here is a concert announcement for someone playing one of my Antonio de Lorca copies in Córdoba.

I took a trip to Valencia last week as that is where we get most of our wood.  I don’t know the history but for years Valencia has been the main port of entry for wood and wood products.  Of course the fact that most of the spanish-made factory guitars come from that general area helps make the wood business a success there.  I attended the Maderalia Trade Fair where I spoke to a few suppliers about veneers and was able to see a some new tools in action and meet the spanish distributors. 

Of course the other motive for my trip (a five hour drive each way) was to choose the wood which I will be using on the guitars I make 15 years from now.  Eveherardo at EAG International has great Indian rosewood and some nice swiss spruce.  I have ordered from him a few times in the past and the rosewood has always been just what I was after.  He just received a shipment of ebony and are cutting it up into fretboards and whatever else instrument-makers are looking for.  I didn’t need anything else this time but he has everything you might want at the warehouse just outside Valencia.

As a builder, working with dealers is something that can be mutually beneficial and hassle-free or in other cases a relationship fraught with second-guessing and difficult negotiations.  I have had both experiences in the past 20 years but I am a little more selective these days.  My latest collaboration is with Richard Sayage of Savage Classical Guitar.  Rich has been easy to deal with, very supportive and is certainly one of the more knowledgeable dealers I have had the pleasure of working with.  A dealer, guitar-maker or player can only be great when his he is drawn to the guitar by passion and consuming interest in the guitar.  If the love is not there you might as well be selling cars.  I had already heard about Rich’s honesty and responsibility from a guitar-maker in Massachusetts but I am glad to be finding out for my self now. 

The rosette on the guitar I sent him is based on a design by my teacher Rolf Eichinger although it must be said that it is simple enough that it has surely been used before.  However, I am not the only one using this idea lately.  A least two other disciples of Rolf’s and one disciple of a disciple are using something similar and you can find photos of these guitars around the internet.