Workshops

Although the symposium offers camaraderie and opportunities to stock up on luthier supplies and tools, the primary reason to attend is for the workshops. This year we had a wide array of presenters on topics such as inlay, mandolin building, and a new way to build archtop and arched-back guitars.

Click one of the “slides” to get a blow-up, then use your arrow keys to step through the larger pictures. Click anywhere on the screen to return to the thumbnails.

Vendor Exhibits

The vendor area is always a highlight of the symposium, and this year was no exception. You could handle (and buy) the latest tools from Stewart-MacDonald and LMI, select the perfect set of wood from numerous dealers, and play guitars from several ASIA members. This vendor area was open all day, but it can be hard to find time between the workshops to visit. This year, an entire afternoon was free of workshops and devoted solely to the vendor area. The cafeteria offered good food and a chance to relax with friends, new or old.

Auction

The ASIA auction…neither words nor pictures can describe the mayhem and laughter at this culminating event. There were teriffic bargains like a complete inlay kit (including air compressor) donated by Dave Nichols, and a full Fox bender setup donated by John Hall. Or you could have bought a variety of unique tonewood, a full box of vintage right-hand tuners, or a lifetime supply of nacreous delights courtesy the Duke of Pearl. Nothing was left behind and ASIA netted a tidy sum for the organization.

Look at all the smiles on the bidders’ faces. Guarranteed there is nothing else like the antics that ensue when Dick Boak and Dave Nichols take the stage.