Great Sunday feature story in the 1/5/2020 New York Times about how luthiers in this nonprofit rural Kentucky shop have been running a successful apprenticeship program to help people find solace and learn the craft of fine instrument making while they recover from addiction.
The story says the company is right now "in feverish deadline mode, honing the high-end artisanal guitars and mandolins made from Appalachian hardwoods that they will be taking to the National Association of Music Merchants trade show in Anaheim, Calif., on Jan. 16. Troublesome Creek hopes to garner enough orders to expand its operation and hire more committed Culture of Recovery apprentices."
Interesting detail to folks here:
"The density of Appalachian hardwoods compares favorably with imported tropical rosewoods," [said Doug Naselroad, the master luthier who with a former colleague dreamed up the program.] Though Osage orange and Black locust have traditionally been used for fence posts, they have what luthiers call a great “tap tone.” “The wood talks to us a little bit,” he explained. “It has to ring like silver.”
Has anyone on the Cafe forum seen, tried, or bought any of these Troublesome Creek mandolins? What did you think?
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