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When will you stop building?

I made the mistake many years ago of putting my workshop under the room where my wife watches TV. I am now retired and at any hour during the day I would like to cut / sand / drill. But wife is also retired now. So we have a schedule (fair) so as to when I can cut / sand / drill that also allows her noiseless TV time. (By the way, most of my tools produce noise at 90db or more, which is hazardous to hearing - I do wear ear protection when I work. I already have tinnitus.)

I am working on build 14 / 15 / 16.

At breakfast this morning wife asked me "When will you stop building?"

Answer - "when I can't build anymore"

Question - "what does that mean?"

Answer - "if I have arthritis or my eyesight is gone"

So, fellow builders - when will you stop building?

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Permalink Reply by Joe Caruso on September 1, 2019 at 4:31am

I think you got it right - having FUN!!!

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Permalink Reply by Dave Lynas on August 29, 2019 at 11:03pm

I have trouble stopping. I’ve tried Uncle John’s “Build Stop” but it’s only snake oil and hype. Works for a while but then urges start rumbling deep in my being. My spouse is very understanding and supportive but she has her limits. I’ve literally filled the house with guits and gear. Ukes hang like bats from the ceiling. The floor is full of guits leaned against the. Wall to wall in a pile like array. My tiny shop is stuffed with wood and tooling. I spend all my extra money on parts and strings.

The best way to quell the flow of new builds is to “improve” old builds. The rebuilt guitars sound better and often look better. And get reorganized in the process. I’m currently making one or two videos a day recording my daily play. I like this solution. I play much more than before. Average about an hour playing daily. Even though i’m An old dog, I learn something every day. I listen and watch you guys play also. I like the friendships that form from “comments”. I’ve learned so much from Clarky, Uncle John, John McNair, Vinnie, Richard Sundberg, CBG Kent, Denbo, Shane Wagstaff and Jim Morris. And that’s just my faves. Shane Speal has brought me a world of inspiration and you all bring me a way to make music.

i sell a guit or fiddle every now and then. That’s when I can feel good about building a New one. Replacement. I like to play others guitars too. I’ve traded or bought guitars from several Nation Friends. I enjoy seeing and hearing your builds first hand. I have a lot of vintage instruments also. They add to the pile of instruments filling my home. Here’s a tip. Don’t keep guits in your bedroom or kitchen. She will like that. I can’t seem to stay out of the kitchen as it’s my launching pad for playing away from home.

meanwhile i’m building a new Cello Bass with a long neck. :D) So in reality, I can’t stop. I’m cramming for finals.

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Permalink Reply by KOOL DOG HOOCH on August 31, 2019 at 10:43pm

LOL! Apparently you didn't read the fine print, "works best with copious amounts of alcohol"

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Permalink Reply by Joe Caruso on September 1, 2019 at 4:29am

He Dave - great advice - go back and improve what you've already built - improve Jenny my first build and looking to add a mag pup to the piezo.

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Permalink Reply by Rough Cut Guitars on September 1, 2019 at 8:40am

Well, I've already taken half an inch off two fingers and I'm building through a pinched shoulder nerve, so............. :-)

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Permalink Reply by Joe Caruso on September 2, 2019 at 1:28am

Tom - good for you - you just keep onnnnn going!!!

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Permalink Reply by Rough Cut Guitars on September 2, 2019 at 2:48am

Yeah, my fingers are too long anyway, always getting in the way... :-) Great question and lots of insightful comments here - gives me some good ammunition with my wife. Seems like the next natural question is "How soon into your current build do you start thinking about the NEXT one?"