Workshops

[Luthier]

In 2000 I was approached to do a mandolin building workshop to be hosted by a Virginia 4-H camp in Front Royal. To make a long story short, the first workshop kits left a lot to be desired. After a run of 16 years, the kits have evolved into the ones I am selling today. The Holiday Lake 4-H camp in Appomattox began hosting the workshops shortly after they were shifted from Front Royal. Participation has gone down to the point where I will no longer be doing them. I still have a few kits left but I am no longer going to do the workshops as I have been doing in the past. I do want to thank all that did participate in the fun, frivolity, and (occasional adult beverages and jamming) that also was a part of the workshops. I thank you for the great memories.
Don

[Inklings]

Hi Don, Sorry to hear you're having trouble getting a good crew out for those classes. I would have loved to have been a part of one - I'm sure they are a great introduction to the craft, and a good time to make new friends.

I can certainly attest to the high quality of Don's kits. They feature thorough documentation, high quality and well designed parts, and a very, very responsive Luthier in Don Kawalek.

I am very much looking forward to getting back to Don's kit once my

[Steph]

Sorry to hear you are winding it up Don.
I still have my mando from the early Front Royal Days - not much to look at compared to the more recent kits, but it still very playable. The Front Royal location was a lot more convenient for most people in the North East and the accommodation and workshop facilities were better.
Good memories indeed.

[Luthier]

We had a good run. It was a good time but I guess all good things must come to an end. Again I thank everyone that participated.
Don

[Joe Mendel]

Sorry to hear it has run it's course. I am glad that you and Niles Hokkannen had workshops the same weekend in Front Royal in 2004(?). That's when we met, thought I was in Niles' workshop. I'm very pleased that we became friends.

[Luthier]

I am also, Joe.
Don

[Inklings]

Don, are you still making kits? I've got yours still laid out downstairs. Life has thrown our family a few challenges over the last year since I got it, but I continue to emulate the parts to understand the dynamics of how it's laid out, and am looking forward to the the build.

[Luthier]

Yes. I do have some kits left but I am not sure I will be making anymore after these are gone. Let me know if you need any help with the one you have.
Don

[Inklings]

I certainly will - now that the thickness sander is done, I'll be getting the top (Doug Fir) and Walnut sides/back to the same thickness as the ones you provided with the kit. Then I'll lay out for the soundhole, and think about the inlay around that. I picked up a nice thin veneer of spalted maple a while back, I'm thinking of trying to inlay that around it, maybe some black purfling to define it on either side?

[SlimJim]

You change your mind?
https://holidaylake4h.com/banjmand.php

[Luthier]

I am going to do one more this March. This will be the last one. The 4H center at Holiday Lake in Appomattox has been kind enough to host the them since 2007.
Don

[SlimJim]

Cool, I'm signing up. See you there

[Inklings]

So glad to hear it, Don. Have been wondering how you're doing. Hope this one goes well for you!