Double Bass Any word from the VSA Oberlin bass workshop?

[Schoolhouse]

Wish I could return again this year, but not possible. What's happening at that great program? Tom

 

[360guy]

We missed you Tom! It was an exhausting week ( everyone busy in the shop till 11 each night--then off for sips and fun till the early morning hours). Many interesting projects from Soundpost patches, neck mortises, bass bar replacements --- some with cleating, scroll grafts, plaster molds, re-edging, carbon fiber inserts, etcetera etc.

And lots of new construction: bending and fitting ribs to the mold, joining center-seams, carving necks, graduating plates....

And lots of " that's so cool!" Homemade jigs that we all can't wait to build.

All of the instructors were the best! It is infinitely helpful to get the assistance of the Masters. Most luthier is a solo effort so having their input was absolutely incredible. At first it's a bit intimating to be surrounded by such talent but they put me and I think all the students at ease with their patient and friendly approach.

And perhaps the best part was all the new friends we made; a terrific group.
We missed you, Tom!

 

[eh_train]

John's summary is pretty spot on! It was a very friendly and helpful bunch of people. The gamut of repair and building tasks was definitely represented (let's not forget the presentation on worm infestations, either!).

PLUS, this year there was also a simultaneous music camp for young bass players. Faculty and instructors included John Clayton, Rufus Reid,
Diana Gannett, and Richard Davis. Drummer extraordinaire Billy Hart was there, as was electric bassist Jerry Jemmott. They held a concert Thursday night, in remembrance of Milt Hinton (whose archives are now housed at Oberlin). A very nice reminder of why we luthiers do what we do!

Cheers,

Paul

 

[arnoldschnitzer]

It was a fantastic week of 14-hour work days, sleep deprivation and non-stop teaching/learning. I learned a lot myself! Bill Lakeberg did an amazing job filling in for David Gage. Everyone got along great, no egos on display! Oberlin is a beautiful, traditionally American college and town--strongly recommended! Thursday I had the first experience with my next career--auctioneer! Thanks to everybody who attended, and especially to our fearless leader, Jay VandeKopple.

 

[Matthew Tucker]

Tom, this is what is happening to the maple cutout you gave me two years ago ... and on the right a new favourite tool ...

yes, I missed the guy in the lab coat as well.

 

[Heifetzbass]

Missed having you there Tom. It was a great week and I can't wait for the next one! Jay Vandekopple, Robbie McIntosh, Arnold Schnitzer, and Bill Lakeberg did a wonderful job helping us navigate our projects. Started my first bass, finally! Got some great repair ideas and techniques. Love Oberlin and all the great locally owned shops.

Do I really have to wait 2 years for another one?!?!?

BG

 

[Schoolhouse]

Thanks guys, I really wished I could be there, but I just finished my first Maggini copy which was used in four concerts this week ( in the white ) by the ex-principal in Berlin, and I really needed to stay in DC. See you in two years. Robbie and Bill are great additions. Tom

 

[Schoolhouse]

PS, I still wear a lab coat, as does that character from down under.

 

[JoeyNaeger]

Tom, your lab coat must have some special ebony repellant. If I wore one, it would look black in a matter of days...