05/27/2026
This post is coming to you from Vermilion, South Dakota, more precisely from the National Music Museum (NMM) exhibit on the art of Archtop Guitar making, featuring tools, forms, jigs, clamps and all, from two of New York’s most influential makers: John D'Angelico and Jimmy D'Aquisto, also a tribute to steward and guardian Paul Gudelsky. A wonderful book is available at the museum's website, titled: "The Masters' Bench" The Guitar-Making Workshop of D'Angelico, D'Aquisto, and Gudelsky.
Personally, visiting this "shrine" is another item on my bucket list, as I continue to visit, research, and experience museums related to Chordophone instruments family and musical instruments in general.
This week makes it even more special, because it's the meeting of the American Musical Instrument Society, or AMIS conference. Here's a quote from their website: "The American Musical Instrument Society meets once a year, bringing together an eminent group of musical instrument historians, enthusiasts, makers, collectors, students, performers, and lovers of all varieties of musicalia. Scholarly presentations, fascinating tours, behind-the-scenes access, and exceptional camaraderie abound".
Links below:
https://www.amis.org/
https://www.nmmusd.org/
https://theblueguitars.com/
