Woodstock Luthier's Showcase (Nov. 4, 2013)

Over the weekend of October 26, 2013, the fifth annual Woodstock Luthier's Showcase was held in, well, Woodstock NY, titular home of everything that one would expect. The show is put on by Baker Rorick, with 50-100 instrument makers showing their creations to the general public and of course, to each other. Some are local, some from way across the country, some from as far as Japan. This is an extremely nice, comfortable and homey event, with discussions and forums as well, and great live music in the evenings by wonderful, professional players showcasing many of the guitars on display. We go to this show every year to see who's doing what in the world of individual guitar makers, talk to them, see what's new and different. We also get to interact with the attendees, many of whom are luthiers who've gotten to a more public place in our world of great guitars, such as Bill Collings of Collings guitars, Michael Gurian (who makes the herringbone inlay and other purfling for all the major companies), Dick Boak and Mike Dickinson of the Martin Guitar Company. And many more. At the risk of sounding corny, I will say that this event really is a sort of love-fest (in Woodstock??!!?? Holy Cow!!) for all of us, as we get to hang out, talk, and share in a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere for three whole days, totally without the business pressures that are always lurking at trade shows. Thank you Baker Rorick, from every single one of us.

In the photo, L to R.........

Matt Umanov; Happy Traum, long-time performer and teacher and Woodstock resident; Dick Boak of CF Martin & Co.; Baker Rorick, the show promoter; Michael Gurian, Gurian Guitars; Bill Collings, Collings Guitars.