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Hello from Upstate NY

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2015 3:34 pm
by ed in cny
Let me start by saying Hi to all of you. I am a former employee of Martin guitar in what it was called then Woodworkers Dream. Had my office right in the old plant up town in Nazareth PA. I went there to take a tour and apply for a job. Had Chris Martin do the the shop tour that day and after the tour I sat down with him for 5 mins or so to discuss employment. In Chris's words unless you know someone here it may take up to 10 years to get to work here. I left not feeling that great with what he said. I then went to the old shop to see the old shop plant and the wood working shop there. I meet up with Dick Boak and talked about the employment with him. He said they had an opening and apply. So I did and got the job working with Dick Boak and Frank Finocchio who now has his own shop in Easton PA.

I made up all the kits for all you building kits in the 85-87 and sold parts, wood and what not. Very enjoyable job. I went to the shows that Martin did and even drove the van full of high end guitars for the show. (how many can say that?) But sadly I followed money and marriage and that took me else where. So I left Martin. I do remember the first year I was there Martin gives out first year pins and when Chris Martin gave me mine he said "when I saw you a year ago I never though I would be giving you this." Something to hear from Chris.

That leads me to coming here. I still have the love for the guitar and enjoy woodworking. I have two body's and necks still to complete from my days at Martin and would like to one day play them. I also have interest in building some others so I think this site is the best suited. I think I've watched nearly all of John's videos on YouTube I could find. It has to say the least given me the bug again. Who knows I may have to take another tour again and see who is still there.

Ed

Re: Hello from Upstate NY

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2015 4:55 pm
by tippie53
thanks
your knowledge of Martin will be very welcome here. I am an authorized Martin repair center so we have a lot in common.

Re: Hello from Upstate NY

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2015 6:09 pm
by Ben-Had
Welcome Ed, you've come to the right place. I grew up in the Glens Falls, NY area but I've been in NC for over 20 years now. Where you live now?

Re: Hello from Upstate NY

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2015 7:27 pm
by  
Hey Ed, glad you found your way to the KGF. I look forward to your stories from 'back when'
and all the lutherie knowledge you'll contribute to our group.
-tommy

Re: Hello from Upstate NY

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2015 8:56 pm
by Kevin Sjostrand
Awesome story Ed, welcome. Hope some of the Martinique rubs off on the rest of us! :)

Kevin

Re: Hello from Upstate NY

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2015 9:58 am
by B. Howard
Glad to have you here Ed.

Re: Hello from Upstate NY

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2015 2:11 pm
by ed in cny
Tim, Cortland is now where I call home.

Re: Hello from Upstate NY

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2015 5:23 pm
by JLT
ed in cny wrote:Tim, Cortland is now where I call home.
That's a very pretty little town. I think they had a harp dealer there. Me, I was born in Syracuse, went back there often to visit and had some good times on Otisco Lake. I still have a lot of relatives there.

Re: Hello from Upstate NY

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2015 6:23 pm
by Ben-Had
ed in cny wrote:Tim, Cortland is now where I call home.
Know it well. My brother-in-law and family lived there awhile. I almost bought a house in Dryden back in the 80's. Made many a trip to Greek Peak in my younger days.

Re: Hello from Upstate NY

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2015 11:20 am
by ed in cny
Otisco lake is a nice lake indeed. Have friends that have a camp on that lake and enjoy it.

Tim, I've froze my butt off on the peak too. Live 10 min from there. Yet I seldom get there for skiing anymore. Funny think you get to busy for things you used to do. Not sure why that is but it happens.