Mandolin workshops have returned

[Luthier]

http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/holiday/mandolinbuilding.html

The workshops have found a new home. The "Luthier to go" is still going.
After 30 years of building musical instruments, I must confess I do not have all the answers, but I do have a lot of them. My main goal is to take the mystery out of the building process so when you go home, you not only have a mandolin, but you will have more confidence when you build your next instrument. Special instruction will include inlay, bending, and finishing techniques.
It is a very intense three days but very worth the time and expense. I hope to se many of you there.

Don
http://www.donkawalek.com

[DryBones]

any lefty kits for the workshop?

[Steph]

Best of luck to Don and Niles in their new home - hope everything works out. Quite a few cafe members have passed through these workshops and I've never heard anyone not enjoy them. So come on guys - if you've had the slightest notion of building a mandolin, go get the benefit of Don's experience and amazing sense of humour, not to mention the 3 best stress relieving days your money can buy (OK I never asked Don for a massage and don't ever intend to), but the mando builing is great fun.I'd also put money on not many of you ever having played Sunshine of your Love or Little Bird like Niles can teach you.

[Luthier]

You bet we can do a lefty kit! These are kits that I have designed and have evolved into an induced arch "X" bracing pattern and they will work for either left handed, right handed, light handed, and heavy handed players.
(thanks Steph)
Don

[allezlesbleus]

Count me as one who has had the pleasure of working with The Luthier. A skilled craftsman and a very nice guy to boot. I learned a lot from Don while he brought my mando up to snuff. I would highly encourage anyone with an inkling of trying their hand at making a mando to do it right and have Don guide you through it.

ALB

PS--Don, we still need to get together and jam sometime!