While after a long delay I have decided to return to my blog and share some new photo's of an old guitar. I recently was contacted by a guitarist who purchased one of my "Knutsen- Hawaiian lap steels" several years ago. This guitar was completed in 06' and was one of three built. Knutsen was the original patent holder of the Harp guitar as well as a predecessor of Weissenborn in the development of the Hawaiian lap steel. He was an independent spirit and insisted on doing things his own way. As a result he never did the same thing twice and created some of the most wildly imaginative instruments built in the 20th century. He also was a native of the pacific northwest and began his career in Port Townsend, Washington on the tip of the Olympic peninsula.
It was a thrill to discover that this guitar has found such an appreciative home and it reminded me of the secret life of musical instruments. The histories they contain and possible futures they may inhabit. Sometimes I can forget that I am making objects that can bring great joy to peoples lives, objects that will live much longer than I. This is a helpful reminder to me of all the music that is happening on guitars I have created over the years. Keep on picking everyone, share your music, play for your friends and family. Music is an old friend.
4 comments:
Great post.
It inspired me and you are bang on about the instruments and their untold stories.
I hope these guitars that I love so dearly will find caring hands after I am gone....
So far my son is only interested in Pokemon.
Thanks for your comment. Nice to see you are still visiting. I will have more entries coming soon. Cheers. Pokemon is temporary.
Intriguing blog! I knew a violin maker, once. She was young and very dedicated to her craft. I never realized the art and mind and heart that went into creating such instruments until I met her.
Thanks for visiting my blog. Stop by for a chocolate chip waffle anytime!
Howdy Craig - In the spirit of reciprocity, thought I'd pay a finally visit to yr blog today, as you've been following mine. As a fellow artist who also works in wood, I'm so impressed with the beauties you've been creating! Talk about synchroneity - immediately prior to looking at yr posting, I was reading Eric Clapton's autobiography - amazed at how he can recall minute details of seemingly every guitar he'd ever owned. Being a recorder tooter & not ever playing a guitar myself, I was surprised to read how physically difficult & downright painful it can be to play an especially ill made one (such as his very 1st - a steel string German affair named a "Hoyer"). I'll make it a habit to check in with you often.
Cheers! Roxanne (unfortunately not related to the Sexauer who also makes guitars)
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