New Member Intro

Kent Martin · 10-28-2009, 11:02 PM

Hi, All,

I've been lurking here for a while, first on the builder's forum, and finally joined a few months ago. By way of introduction, here's a bouzouki I finished in August:

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I have some more pictures on my profile.

I try to play some guitar, and have been having fun learning to play this as well. I like Dervish, Andy Irvine, Chet Atkins, and others. I build much better than I play.

Anyway, I'm enjoying the forums and wanted to say hello.

Kent

woodwizard · 10-28-2009, 11:57 PM

Looks pretty nice Kent. Welcome!

Fretbear · 10-29-2009, 12:06 AM

Beautiful and unique; I like the Ovation style headstock and unconventional sound holes.

JEStanek · 10-29-2009, 07:31 AM

Welcome!

I like your Zouk's design too. Very organic and modern at the same time. I like how the tradtional F hole is present in along with what appears to me to be a stylized cat sitting up. I also like the carving near the fingerboard onto the top plate.

Jamie

Kent Martin · 10-29-2009, 09:28 PM

Thanks for the comments. The fingerboard ramp carved into the top is a Graham McDonald design that I tried for the first time.

I forgot to post a sound clip last night:
O Thou In Whose Presence.mp3
Pardon my playing -- I'm just learning. This is in GDAD tuning, which I've found easier to get started with.

Rando7 · 10-30-2009, 08:59 AM

Sounds great to me Kent! You're being modest!

Kent Martin · 10-30-2009, 11:07 PM

Thanks again. Very self concious.

jlsmandolin1952 · 10-30-2009, 11:48 PM

Kent,
Very nice looking Instrument. It's always great to see other builders work. Welcome to the Cafe'
John

John Kelly · 10-31-2009, 09:04 AM

As a very new member too, I'd like to reinforce just what a friendly bunch you have joined here, Kent.
Really like your instrument and the design of the soundholes. I too build mandolins and octaves, though at present I am building a one-off travel guitar for a friend and musical colleague.
Let's see more of your work, and a big welcome from Argyll in Scotland, the world's most beautiful place.

Steve-o · 10-31-2009, 09:45 AM

Welcome Kent. Very nice zouk with interesting design elements. What inspired the sound hole design? I liked your mandolin build too. Do you build other isntruments as well?

Kent Martin · 10-31-2009, 05:23 PM

Steve,

The sound holes grew out of some paintings I did back in my college days, where I was playing a lot with positive/negative space (i.e. applying paint to the background, thus outlining something in the foreground). I've also built guitars, violins, and banjos, and probably will tackle whatever else might come along. :-) This one is my 13th build (cue spooky music...).

John K, I want to come visit! Photography is another interest of mine...

Thanks all,
Kent

sliabhstv · 11-02-2009, 01:22 PM

Welcome, Kent!

Nice work!!!! Love the soundhole design, too! I have questions...

Look for an email from me.

Welcome, many thanks, and all the best,

stv

Kent Martin · 11-02-2009, 09:30 PM

Hey, Steve,

Thanks! I had a chance to check out the Culchies samples at CDBaby - very nice. I like the bouzouki sound especially. I confess my exposure to traditional Irish music is fairly recent and limited, but I enjoy it a great deal. You'll have to explain the band name to me some time.

Best,
Kent

Jill McAuley · 11-02-2009, 09:54 PM

An irish cafe member jumping in to explain "culchies"...

A term used, generally by Dubliners (and possibly other city folk, but as a Dub I can only speak for us!), to describe country folk. Way back in the day I remember hearing that it is somehow derived from the name of a town in Co. Mayo, Kiltimagh, where the country folks were very, very country indeed.

Cheers,
Jill, a Dubliner who lived down the country for several years.....

Eddie Sheehy · 11-02-2009, 10:08 PM

Culchie is short for Agricultural - meaning non-city folk. When Culchie became overused the Dubs started using Mulchie...

Kent Martin · 11-02-2009, 11:34 PM

OK, I'm a Culchie and didn't know it! I grew up on a farm in northern Indiana. No Irish blood, though.

sliabhstv · 11-03-2009, 08:26 AM

Kent, thanks for the kind words about the CD! It has brought us loads of fun, lots of new friends the world over, and it's paid for itself (and a bit more), and for all that we're very grateful.

Yeah, that's about it. To country folk and those who are involved in "traditional" activities, it's an insult when tossed about by Dubs, but not so much when used among themselves.

One thing we liked about it was that it has some similarities to the term for folks from Indiana, "Hoosiers." One in particular in common: If you ask ten hoosiers the origin of the term hoosier you get ten different answers. We found this to be true of the word culchies in Ireland.

If, as a visitor, one uses such a term in conversation with the natives, the next day or so could be quite unpredictable, as one could easily become the butt of various jokes, japes or pranks, subtle or dramatic, but dangerous only to one's self-image and perhaps composure...

And in common, they mean what we 'Mericans would call a hick. We like it.

Thanks,

stv

Dustin · 11-03-2009, 09:16 AM

I have to say, that is quite an intro (with the pics and all). Welcome (even though I am a newbie too)!!

Kent Martin · 11-03-2009, 05:00 PM

Thanks, Dustin. I am truly feeling welcomed here, and believe I have some friendships started.

10-28-2009, 11:02 PM	#1
Kent Martin Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Hartselle, Alabama Posts: 16	New Member Intro Hi, All, I've been lurking here for a while, first on the builder's forum, and finally joined a few months ago. By way of introduction, here's a bouzouki I finished in August: I have some more pictures on my profile. I try to play some guitar, and have been having fun learning to play this as well. I like Dervish, Andy Irvine, Chet Atkins, and others. I build much better than I play. Anyway, I'm enjoying the forums and wanted to say hello. Kent __________________ Kent Kent J. Martin, Luthier Hand crafted, one of a kind musical instruments Facebook Page

10-28-2009, 11:57 PM	#2
woodwizard Mike Parks Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Knoxville Arkansas Posts: 1,830	Re: New Member Intro Looks pretty nice Kent. Welcome! __________________ I Pick, Therefore I Grin! 1919 Gibson A4 '06 Gibson F5 Goldrush '47 Gibson L7

10-29-2009, 12:06 AM	#3
Fretbear Ursus Mandolinus Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 1,540	Re: New Member Intro Beautiful and unique; I like the Ovation style headstock and unconventional sound holes. __________________ http://scottlearmonth.tripod.com

10-29-2009, 07:31 AM	#4
JEStanek Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Pottstown, PA Posts: 7,798 Blog Entries: 1	Re: New Member Intro Welcome! I like your Zouk's design too. Very organic and modern at the same time. I like how the tradtional F hole is present in along with what appears to me to be a stylized cat sitting up. I also like the carving near the fingerboard onto the top plate. Jamie __________________ There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. Logan Pearsall Smith, 1865 - 1946 + Give Blood, Save a Life +

10-29-2009, 09:28 PM	#5
Kent Martin Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Hartselle, Alabama Posts: 16	Re: New Member Intro Thanks for the comments. The fingerboard ramp carved into the top is a Graham McDonald design that I tried for the first time. I forgot to post a sound clip last night: O Thou In Whose Presence.mp3 Pardon my playing -- I'm just learning. This is in GDAD tuning, which I've found easier to get started with. __________________ Kent Kent J. Martin, Luthier Hand crafted, one of a kind musical instruments Facebook Page

10-30-2009, 08:59 AM	#6
Rando7 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 10	Re: New Member Intro Sounds great to me Kent! You're being modest!

10-30-2009, 11:07 PM	#7
Kent Martin Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Hartselle, Alabama Posts: 16	Re: New Member Intro Thanks again. Very self concious. __________________ Kent Kent J. Martin, Luthier Hand crafted, one of a kind musical instruments Facebook Page

10-30-2009, 11:48 PM	#8
jlsmandolin1952 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Myrtle Beach,SC. Posts: 73	Re: New Member Intro Kent, Very nice looking Instrument. It's always great to see other builders work. Welcome to the Cafe' John

10-31-2009, 09:04 AM	#9
John Kelly Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ardnadam, Argyll, Scotland Posts: 9	Re: New Member Intro As a very new member too, I'd like to reinforce just what a friendly bunch you have joined here, Kent. Really like your instrument and the design of the soundholes. I too build mandolins and octaves, though at present I am building a one-off travel guitar for a friend and musical colleague. Let's see more of your work, and a big welcome from Argyll in Scotland, the world's most beautiful place.

10-31-2009, 09:45 AM	#10
Steve-o Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Northern Michigan Posts: 370	Re: New Member Intro Welcome Kent. Very nice zouk with interesting design elements. What inspired the sound hole design? I liked your mandolin build too. Do you build other isntruments as well? __________________ Steve Michigan Social Group Poe Mandolins Group

10-31-2009, 05:23 PM	#11
Kent Martin Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Hartselle, Alabama Posts: 16	Re: New Member Intro Steve, The sound holes grew out of some paintings I did back in my college days, where I was playing a lot with positive/negative space (i.e. applying paint to the background, thus outlining something in the foreground). I've also built guitars, violins, and banjos, and probably will tackle whatever else might come along. :-) This one is my 13th build (cue spooky music...). John K, I want to come visit! Photography is another interest of mine... Thanks all, Kent __________________ Kent Kent J. Martin, Luthier Hand crafted, one of a kind musical instruments Facebook Page

11-02-2009, 01:22 PM	#12
sliabhstv Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Bloomington, Indiana Posts: 3,504	Re: New Member Intro Welcome, Kent! Nice work!!!! Love the soundhole design, too! I have questions... Look for an email from me. Welcome, many thanks, and all the best, stv __________________ steve V. johnson http://cdbaby.com/Lopers2 The Lopers - New CD "There Was A Time" Original Acoustic Music http://cdbaby.com/Culchies Culchies - Irish Traditional Music

11-02-2009, 09:30 PM	#13
Kent Martin Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Hartselle, Alabama Posts: 16	Re: New Member Intro Hey, Steve, Thanks! I had a chance to check out the Culchies samples at CDBaby - very nice. I like the bouzouki sound especially. I confess my exposure to traditional Irish music is fairly recent and limited, but I enjoy it a great deal. You'll have to explain the band name to me some time. Best, Kent __________________ Kent Kent J. Martin, Luthier Hand crafted, one of a kind musical instruments Facebook Page

11-02-2009, 09:54 PM	#14
Jill McAuley Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: scenic Oakland, CA or forgotten East Galway, take your pick. Posts: 653	Re: New Member Intro An irish cafe member jumping in to explain "culchies"... A term used, generally by Dubliners (and possibly other city folk, but as a Dub I can only speak for us!), to describe country folk. Way back in the day I remember hearing that it is somehow derived from the name of a town in Co. Mayo, Kiltimagh, where the country folks were very, very country indeed. Cheers, Jill, a Dubliner who lived down the country for several years..... __________________ 2008 Pomeroy A4 (#126) 2008 Weber Custom Gallatin F oval hole 2009 Gold Top Red Line Traveler 1920 Stromberg short scale tenor banjo www.myspace.com/mandolinappreciationsociety "you don't have to leave, but your coat's in the front garden..."

11-02-2009, 10:08 PM	#15
Eddie Sheehy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Irvine, CA Posts: 1,795	Re: New Member Intro Culchie is short for Agricultural - meaning non-city folk. When Culchie became overused the Dubs started using Mulchie... __________________ Expensive Kindling with Strings

11-02-2009, 11:34 PM	#16
Kent Martin Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Hartselle, Alabama Posts: 16	Re: New Member Intro OK, I'm a Culchie and didn't know it! I grew up on a farm in northern Indiana. No Irish blood, though. __________________ Kent Kent J. Martin, Luthier Hand crafted, one of a kind musical instruments Facebook Page

11-03-2009, 08:26 AM	#17
sliabhstv Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Bloomington, Indiana Posts: 3,504	Re: New Member Intro Kent, thanks for the kind words about the CD! It has brought us loads of fun, lots of new friends the world over, and it's paid for itself (and a bit more), and for all that we're very grateful. Yeah, that's about it. To country folk and those who are involved in "traditional" activities, it's an insult when tossed about by Dubs, but not so much when used among themselves. One thing we liked about it was that it has some similarities to the term for folks from Indiana, "Hoosiers." One in particular in common: If you ask ten hoosiers the origin of the term hoosier you get ten different answers. We found this to be true of the word culchies in Ireland. If, as a visitor, one uses such a term in conversation with the natives, the next day or so could be quite unpredictable, as one could easily become the butt of various jokes, japes or pranks, subtle or dramatic, but dangerous only to one's self-image and perhaps composure... And in common, they mean what we 'Mericans would call a hick. We like it. Thanks, stv __________________ steve V. johnson http://cdbaby.com/Lopers2 The Lopers - New CD "There Was A Time" Original Acoustic Music http://cdbaby.com/Culchies Culchies - Irish Traditional Music

11-03-2009, 09:16 AM	#18
Dustin Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 47	Re: New Member Intro I have to say, that is quite an intro (with the pics and all). Welcome (even though I am a newbie too)!!

11-03-2009, 05:00 PM	#19
Kent Martin Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Hartselle, Alabama Posts: 16	Re: New Member Intro Thanks, Dustin. I am truly feeling welcomed here, and believe I have some friendships started. __________________ Kent Kent J. Martin, Luthier Hand crafted, one of a kind musical instruments Facebook Page