"The most important thing I learned in the instrument repair class is it  takes a long  time to do quality repairs. The amount of detail is incredible." - Former Smakula student

Dear Instrument Repair Students,

With July closing in on us faster than it takes super glue to permanently  stick your thumb and index finger together, we need to get organized to make the most of our short week together.
 

I want each of you to bring 3 or 4 instruments in need of repair. As there is always down time while glue is drying you will need a few things to work on.
 

I will bring all the specialty tools we will need. Any of you that have tools by all means bring them. I strongly recommend that each of you bring a metal 6 inch ruler (a Starrett #C504R-6 is my favorite, It is straight and accurate),  an X-Acto knife with a supply of number 11 blades and a supply of pencils including #4 hard. Please mark all of your tools with your name so we know who owns what at the end of the week.
 

As geezerdom approaches and my eyesight gets worse, I have been using a Opti-visor to see details better. Affectionately dubbed "party hats", Opti-visors are highly recommended by myself and former repair class students. Stewart-MacDonald sells them for $32.90.
 

If you are new to instrument repair and want to familiarize yourself with repair tools, call Stewart-MacDonald Guitar Shop Supply at 1-800-848-2273. Their catalog is free and full of cool tools.
 

Good lighting is necessary for the precision execution of repairs. A swing arm desk lamp will be very handy. You will also want a bench pad to set your instruments on while you are working on them . Old mattress pads and Elvis beach towels make excellent bench pads. Also instead of standing at your bench all day and night, bring a bar stool if you can.
 

I can supply most of the materials you will need for class at a nominal cost. I always have a supply of fretwire, bone nuts and saddles, different woods and hardware.
 

Strangely enough, by popular request there will be a materials fee of $10. This covers all the small odds and ends  that I supply. It does not cover any special items you might need.
 

To determine the need for special tools or parts, I want each of you to give me a call (304-636-6710) for a discussion of your repair projects. Repair students that have taken the class in previous years and want to recommend additions to the supplier list handed out during class should let me know then. Please don't wait until the last minute. If you are a week two student and call during week one I will not be near the phone and will probably not be able to return your call until week three.

      
For those of you that want to get a head start on repair techniques recommend the following books:
 

The Acoustic Guitar. Adjustment, Maintenance, And Repair. Volumes 1 and 2. Don Teeter, University of Oklahoma Press, I use many of Mr. Teeter's innovative techniques every day.
       

Guitar Player Repair Guide. Dan Erlewine, Guitar Player Books. This book is well put together with hot tips on acoustic and electric guitar repairs.
 

There are several other books on guitar repair. Go to your local library and see what they have.

There has been a great deal of interest in the French Polishing finishing technique. I plan to  spend some time working with those who are interested in finishing style.  For the ever important head start get a copy of Classic Wood Finishing, George Frank, Sterling Publishing Company. It includes essential French polishing technique.
 

For those arriving on Sunday, I will open the shop at 3:00 PM for unloading, setup, and getting a head start on your weeks work.  We have complete control over our area, and can work as late as we want. For safeties sake we will shut down by 11:00 PM.  Friday we will close the shop at 5:00 PM.
 

A few years ago when a student brought a 10 pound bar of Ghiradelli chocolate to share, a new tradition was started. Our hospitality table that is usually filled with quality snacks available to all. I strongly encourage you to bring regional specialties to share with the class and the other Augusaites that wander down to our somewhat secluded workshop space.  We do have a refrigerator for anything that might need to be kept cold, like , say, Graeters ice cream.
 

We will execute our repairs with the highest craftsmanship. One of my goals in my repair career has been to do things so well that no one can tell that the instrument has been repaired. I would like all of you to make this your goal too.
 

I'm looking forward to hard work and good fun in the shop. See you in July and don't forget your party hat.

Sincerely,
 

Bob Smakula

SMAKULA FRETTED INSTRUMENTS

P.O. BOX 882

ELKINS, WV 26241

304-636-6710

email: smakula@meer.net