News:
A couple of things. Hoffman Guitars is now on Facebook. I think that this will be a good way to keep in touch with my customers and let them know what/how the shop is doing. Of course if I update my Facebook as often as I do this Blog, maybe not. We shall see. I would love it if you (my faithful readers) would let me know what you want to see or would comment on what I say. I know this can work: Recently I “taught” (guest speaker) a class on Minnesota cultural history at the U of M. I found that the most interesting discussions, BY FAR, were in response to questions from the students. So, please, let me know.
I am just about to start a new batch of guitars – so to all of you who are just waiting to place an order for one of my guitars, now is the time.
I will be exhibiting at the bi-annual (every other year) Healdsburg Guitar Festival, held naturally enough, in Santa Rosa California. This show is really the Granddaddy of the Guitar shows and is well worth attending. If you do come (and you should), stop by my table and play some guitars.
Observations:
Recently I have made several O size guitars. Often called parlor guitars, these are characterized by small bodies and 12 fret necks. I have to say that I am a great fan of small bodied guitars. They have a sweetness of tone and a balance that I simply adore. They are surprisingly loud and have great sustain. And they are so easy to hold and play. Of course I like 12 fret guitars in other sizes (OO and my concert size) pretty much all the time.
On the other end of the scale I have been making quite a few 12 string guitars and have had great success with them. Somehow I have hit on a design for a (light string, tuned to standard pitch) 12 string that sounds musical and not jangly. I suppose I should not toot my own horn, but I really am very happy with them.
The market for high end handmade guitars is still a bit weak, but perhaps getting slightly better. We shall see.
