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Private member DiscussionGeneral Business

I was on a Podcast about my guitar business.

Here it is. I thought it turned out ok. Hopefully it's a help to someone. ☺️

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Private member DiscussionCustomer Relations

Would any of the Council of Elders be willing to speak at a SIMSCal Meeting?

Hello to the Council of Elders! My name is Joe Byron, and I am president of the Stringed Instrument Makers of Southern California (SIMSCal). We have been around for over 30 years and have a large number of members and followers. Our membership includes both professional and non-professional luthiers. SIMSCal meets 4-8 times per year (both live and virtually), and we share tips, processes, stories, and show off our work. We frequently inclu…

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Ian Davlin
Speaking on behalf of myself, I already have. I had a great time too.
R M EXPORTS DiscussionSELL! SELL! SELL!

Guitar Custom Camel Bone Nuts and Saddle

Hello Luthiers and Guitar Builders,We manufacture and supply high-quality natural bone Guitar Nuts and Saddles in custom sizes for acoustic, electric, classical, and bass guitars.What We Offer:• Custom-sized Bone Nuts & Saddles• OEM & Bulk Orders• Precision Cutting & Finishing• High-Density Natural Bone Material• Consistent Quality• Worldwide ShippingWhether you need a single custom specification or bulk production for your workshop or…

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Private member DiscussionSELL! SELL! SELL!

For Sale: Headstock Veneers and Decals

Hello! A client of mine have given up on the idea that he'll make good use of this Gibson and Fender stash. He willing to entertain separating items and is open to offers. No idea how to value this lot... Please call or text 1-765-729-5282 if you have questions or offers. Located in between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne Indiana. As I understand it, getting NOS Gibson headstock veneers can cost and arm and a leg these days... The headstock ve…

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Private member DiscussionSuggestion Box / Bug Reporting

Recorded Zoom programs

Is there a way to see recent zoom meeting recordings or an index of links to the unlisted YT? Thanks.

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Ian Davlin
If on desktop hit the adv search button on the right hand side. Then hit shows to select the show type you want to see. The search is stackable, so if you hit "Dan and Doug" for the show and then sear…
Private member DiscussionJob Postings

Looking for CAD expert

Hello all! My name is Jake and I run a repair shop out of my NYC apartment. I am looking for someone who's experienced in CAD to help me with a project. I am working on a 5 string headless bass build for a customer. The neck & body are to be CNCed by a local mill here in Brooklyn, NY. I have a 2D design (PDF and CRD), but I need help making some modifications, as well as translating it to 3D. Pay is negotiable. I will basically pay whate…

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Private member DiscussionGeneral Business

Appraisals

Friend brought his "old guitar in the basement" over for me to have a look at. Long story short, it's a 1945 D-18, it's all original and it's a beauty. He had no idea. I explained to him that it was worth somewhere between 15 and 25 thousand bucks, that it needed some fairly routine repairs and that he should get - among other things - an insurance rider and take a little more care of the guitar than he has been. Picture attached for fu…

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Ian Davlin
The VG price guide is a pretty good place to start. On something like that, I'd be tempted to pay for an appraisal from Gruhn's though. They used to do email appraisals that were reasonably priced. Re…

Experienced Builder and Red Wing Grad

Howdy folks, I'm a 2026 graduate of the two year guitar program at Red Wing (Minnesota State College Southeast). Between my two years at Red Wing I worked at Collings Guitars in Austin, TX for two years in the acoustic neck department, shaping and finish sanding ~2000 necks, radiusing and gluing ~750 fingerboards, and pressing ~100 sets of frets. I also spent a couple months in the finishing department level sanding and pore filling ~300…

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Lucas does great work.
Private member DiscussionSELL! SELL! SELL!

Buffing compounds! Cheap!

I’ve changed up my buffing protocols (again) and am selling off two lots of compound bars: -four bars ColorTone Fine, $55+shipping -three bars Menzerna P204 + two bars GW16, $100+shipping. USA shipping only. thanks, Creston

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Private member
Hey Creston, I sent you a connection request so I can DM you
Ian Davlin DiscussionSuggestion Box / Bug Reporting

Back By Popular Demand - Basic Website Functionality

The sub menu is back by both popular and reasonable demand.

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Private member
Thatsa nice! Did you simply tell Claude to “make it so”? (I’ve used it three or four times in the last five minutes - it was THAT useful!) And ——— wait for it … you can add the search term into the sear…
Private member DiscussionSuggestion Box / Bug Reporting

I can't seem to find the resource page

Looking for the resource page that had all the links on it. Along with the Amazon suggestion lists from various luthiers

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Ian Davlin
https://loothgroup.com/hub/?type=useful_links this is the resource page. you can find those on desktop on the righthand side where it says filters. We're going to make this slicker here in a bit. Here…
Ian Davlin DiscussionSuggestion Box / Bug Reporting

The New Website Bug Reporting and Wishlist Thread.

Please, if you see something, say something. If you want something, ask. Bugs, wishlists etc. Stack them up here.

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Private member
Inside this content window or "container" is the green radio button "SUGGESTION BOX" supposed to be a clickable link? I've seen some of them are and most of them are not. IMPLICATION: Cannot see a…
Private member DiscussionBUY! BUY! BUY!

WTB: waterslide

Does anyone know a waterslide decal maker who sells Fugazi decals in a fender font?

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Private member DiscussionGeneral Business

Fender, Schmender

Since most of us fix or make guitars, we have probably heard something about the cease and desist letters Fender has sent out concerning the Stratocaster. I thought I would offer some thoughts. As always, caveat emptor. There are three basic ways to protect intellectual property under Federal law. Patent, trademark, and copyright. Each protects different things, and has different underlying legal theories. Lets begin with pate…

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Private member
There is also a time limit to both Patents and Copyright (and Trademarks, though Trademarks can be renewed). Don't know how long they last in other countries, but Canada is normally 20 years. Copy…