Gorgeous new guitar book!

Subject: Gorgeous new guitar book!
From: black walnut
Date: 28 Oct 03 - 07:27 AM

A GUITARMAKER'S CANVAS: THE INLAY ART OF GRIT LASKIN

What a beautiful book this is! I bought a copy for a friend, and leafed through it.   Yesterday I looked through it again - at the 12th Fret (Toronto).

There's a section on how Grit does the inlays, but most of the book is full of wonderful closeup photos of guitar necks. Each one is a masterpiece. There is a writeup with each guitar, saying interesting things about the inspiration or the ownership. I'd recommend this book to anyone - you don't have to be a guitar player to appreciate it.

I'm going to have a chat with Santa.

~black walnut

Subject: RE: Gorgeous new guitar book!
From: black walnut
Date: 28 Oct 03 - 07:44 AM

By the way, this isn't Grit's first book. A few years ago he wrote a really good novel - "Angel Could Smell the Fire".

~b.w.

Subject: RE: Gorgeous new guitar book!
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Oct 03 - 09:38 AM

Hi,

Gorgeous, oh yes! I have a copy, and it's amazing. My favourite bits (after you get over the stunning artwork) are the stories about the owners and how they and Grit evolved their particular designs.

This is an ultimate "coffee-table" book, and a great gift for both art and instrument lovers, especially if they are connected to the Canadian folk music scene, as they are likely to know some of the people that are mentioned. And I think it's so great that Brian Pickell (player and great tune writer from Paris Ontario) took most of the photographs.

Have a look!
Jack

Subject: RE: Gorgeous new guitar book!
From: Mooh
Date: 29 Oct 03 - 10:34 AM

I haven't seen it yet as I'm kinda living in a cultural backwater, but just a look at Grit's website will give a clue to what's going on. Brian did most of the photography? Great! (I love his fiddle tune cd.) My Christmas list finally has a purpose!

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Gorgeous new guitar book!
From: PoppaGator
Date: 29 Oct 03 - 12:03 PM

Grit's website? How 'bout a link?

Subject: RE: Gorgeous new guitar book!
From: GUEST,Big Mick at work
Date: 29 Oct 03 - 12:09 PM

Rick had a copy of this book when I visited recently. Astounding stuff, eh? I am one of the fortunate ones in that I have visited Grit's shop and got the personal tour. When the Beef Brothers visited Toronto to work on "Desolation Island", Rick took Jed and I up to that shop. It is an astounding place. One of the memories I have is playing one of Grit's guitars. I expected a work of visual art that was nice to play. I was wrong. These instruments sound as good as they look. And they look magnificent. Balanced across the strings, a resonance that makes your whole body tingle, and an action to die for. This is the perfect blend of form and function. One day, God willing, I will own one of these masterpieces.

On a personal note, Grit is one of the nicest folks around. He fits perfectly in that group of folkies. Paul Mills, Grit, Glen Reid....all are wonderful people. I felt out of place in a circle (in Rick's backyard) that included such wonderful musicians. Grit was one of those that made me feel at ease and just sing. I like this man very much, as well as respect his musical and instrument building talents. We are fortunate to live in a time that includes folks like this.

Just one more thing I owe Rick.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Gorgeous new guitar book!
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Oct 03 - 12:10 PM

www.williamlaskin.com

Subject: RE: Gorgeous new guitar book!
From: black walnut
Date: 29 Oct 03 - 02:03 PM

Grit's a special one alright. I know him mostly from The Woods Music and Dance Camp which he helps organize. I've gone every year for 10 years now. Amazing place.

I have a photo in my wallet of Grit playing my Bear Meadow dulcimer. I wanted him to look it over for me one day, and to give me his opinion - as to its sound and its workmanship. I remember Grit looking at it very carefully and turning it over and under as he scrutinized it, and then playing it, and then he said, "There's nothing wrong with this one!". High praise!!

Songwriter, author, instrument maker, encourager, thinker, partner in Borealis Records, and gut-splittingly funny guy. (Have I missed anything?)

Do get the book if you like guitars at all. It's a gem, just like Grit.

~b.w.