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Showing results for tags 'Violin Makers Workshop'.
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Yes, Joe Thrift has announced he's running for President as a write-in candidate. To date he has excepted donations ranging from 25 cents to an entire six pack (major supporter). Actually I just wanted to talk about his workshop that I attended last week hosted by Bill Mason Violins in Fredericksburg, VA. This was Joe's first workshop here so attendance was low which worked great for me because I got more one-on-one time with Joe. Nicest guy you'd ever want to meet, and a great teacher. The two other attendees were Andrew and Katelyn (married), who are recent graduates of the the Chicago School of Violin Making. It's a two week workshop, but I only had the time/money for the first week. You basically brought whatever you were working on and Joe helped whenever he was needed. Joe is extremely open and willing to share any information he has. I had my nearly complete #1 and the plates for #2, Andrew was working on a couple of violas. One of them had an incredible Birdseye maple back, and Katelyn was working on a couple of cellos. We basically worked from 9 am to 10 pm every day and Bill, Elaine, and Cristina (Bill's lead apprentice) kept us fed and watered. Christina was also a participant whenever she could escape employee duties. She dose very clean work. This week Joe is going to be showing his varnish and antiquing methods which he learned from Roger Hargrave. Then focus on instrument setup. Wish I could have stayed for the two weeks. I look forward to going again next year. Cheers, Jim