My name is John Bogdanovich but all my friends call me Jack. Started playing guitar at 12 and played in bands and such until I discovered classical guitar at 19 and had been playing classical ever since with a more than a few years off here and there.
About 25 years ago I was making furniture in California and was in need of a decent guitar but could not afford one. So I learned how to make one and made myself a decent instrument which quite unintentionally launched my career as a guitar builder. I have been building classical and acoustic guitar ever since.
14 years ago I moved to Asheville and within a year or so I got so busy I had no time to play. About six months ago I walked into the Asheville Guitar Bar for the first time to check it out. They have guitar music 7 days a week with open jams on Sundays. It inspired me to picked up the guitar again and started playing. I play in the jam almost every Sunday. Its great fun.
At first I started playing my old classical routine to try and get back in the groove but soon realized that the blues and rock going on at the Guitar Bar was what I really wanted to play. So I bought a Strat and an amp and gave it a whirl. I was hooked immediately. I still play a little classical. Its a great workout and I still love the music.
I could not believe how playing guitar had put new life back in me. It woke up something inside that had been asleep for a long time. In no time I acquired a mighty case of GAS and have purchased a few more guitars and another amp since then. You only live once so might as well enjoy it.
I tried many online lessons. Some were ok, but Robert's were the best so I had to join. I went to college for music way back so I really responded to Robert's teaching since he explains the theory behind everything. Understanding how the chords, scales, intervals, and notes within are all connected, and how they are used is what I need to learn how to play the way I want to. Its a language I understand.
So thanks for putting all this together. I know how much work this is. I wish this was around 40 years ago. I so appreciate it.
Jack
Sounds like it has been an interesting journey for you, so far. Surely there will be many hours of fun and music ahead of you.
Thus far I have only built 1 guitar ... serial number 001 😉 a 000 12 fret slot head. Thankfully I had a great mentor to help me through that journey.
Esteban has built several electric guitars that came out awesome.
Welcome to MGA and the forum! I think you will enjoy it.
Hi Jack and welcome!
It was great to hear your story. I was into classical in the beginning of my career but I could never play it any good. I remember listening to Julian Bream, John Williams and Leo Brouwer with fascination.
Asheville has such a great location, mountsins, lakes, the Vanderbilt Estate, and a refined pocket of civilization. Lucky You to have the Guitar Bar and a jam session, too. Welcome.
Hey guys, thanks. I'm glad to be here.
My new Antique Classic Suhr 3 tone sunburst HSS with a rosewood fingerboard showed up yesterday. It sounds and plays incredible but the finish is cracked. I don't think its from humidity because the cracks run across the body front and back. There is one in the lower bout and three in the upper bout.
As far as I know wood does not grow in length from humidity only width. All I can think of is it was caused by some kind of trauma. And lacquer these days is soft compared to the stuff they used in the 70s so I don't get it at all.
The set up is fine and the neck is flat. I love the shape of the neck. It sounds so good and plays so well I am tempted to keep it but the resale value will probably not be as good so I am going to have to return it. I just hope I can get another one quickly.
Thanks again guys. I am looking forward to digging in. And yes, that guitar bar is the best thing to happen in Asheville ever.
Oh that's too bad. I'm sure you will get a replacement quickly. Suhr is incredible good with support and they make sure their customers are happy. I have a Suhr Pro C1 that I love.
Thanks Robert. I opened a ticket with them and sent some photos. I'll know more Monday no doubt. Thanks for suggesting I go right to them. I think that is the best move.
thanks again,
Jack
Suhr offers a lifetime guarantee so you should have no problems.