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The Good Hearted Woman

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Beautiful Music: NW Handmade Musical Instrument Exhibit

May 14 By Renée 28 Comments

Every spring, you can find some of the most beautiful and unique instruments being made in the Pacific Northwest at the NW Handmade Musical Instrument Exhibit.

NW Handmade Musical Instrument Exhibit | The Good Hearted Woman

Music and music-making is a huge part of life in our home, and Mr B and I both have a great appreciation for fine instruments and the people who create them. Last week, we took the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful instruments currently being made in our little corner of the world – at the 43rd annual NW Handmade Musical Instrument Exhibit, held on the campus of Marylhurst University in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

NW Handmade Instrument Exhibit, Marylhurst University 2018 | The Good Hearted Woman

John Carrigan of Curly Creek Guitars [Port Orchard, WA] shows off some of his handiwork.

At this year’s annual event, more than 80 artisans from across the Pacific Northwest gathered to showcase handmade guitars (everything from steel string to cigar box), violins, archtop instruments, bouzoukis, octave mandolins, banjos, ukuleles, Hardanger fiddles, alternately shaped violins, classical and steel string guitars, flamenco guitars, and even historical and ancient instruments. There were also dozens of performances by local professional musicians (playing on instruments provided by the exhibitors!), as well as craftsman demonstrations, luthier information and supplies, and displays of instruments under construction.

NW Handmade Instrument Exhibit, Marylhurst University 2018 | The Good Hearted Woman

NW Handmade Instrument Exhibit, Marylhurst University 2018 | The Good Hearted Woman

The “sailing under the moon” guitar below – by Jay Dickinson [Portland Guitar Co.] – was one of my absolute favorites from the whole exhibit, and considering all of the amazing instruments on display, that’s say a lot. The workmanship on this piece was outstanding.

NW Handmade Instrument Exhibit, Marylhurst University 2018 | The Good Hearted Woman

Note the inlaid Mother-of-Pearl moons progressing down the neck. (If you’d like to see how this guitar was made, check out these process photos on Jay’s website that walk you through the entire painstaking process.)

NW Handmade Instrument Exhibit, Marylhurst University 2018 | The Good Hearted Woman

It seemed that everywhere we looked, we saw beautiful examples of fine inlay and carving work, like that on these flutes from Kyle Jeremy Neidig.

NW Handmade Instrument Exhibit, Marylhurst University 2018 | The Good Hearted Woman

I have always been intrigued with inlay work of any kind, and really appreciated this display about how the meticulous, painstaking process of inlaying Mother-of-Pearl comes together.

NW Handmade Instrument Exhibit, Marylhurst University 2018 | The Good Hearted Woman

The intricacy some of the carved pieces on display was amazing, as is illustrated in the sound hole below by Portland luthier Eric Shull of Harmonia Lutherie.

NW Handmade Instrument Exhibit, Marylhurst University 2018 | The Good Hearted Woman

There were a number of unique and historical instruments on display as well. Need an historically accurate double reeded renaissance instrument? Phil & Gayle Nueman can hook you up. They can even teach you how to play it!

NW Handmade Instrument Exhibit, Marylhurst University 2018 | The Good Hearted Woman

Phil and Gayle Neuman build renaissance double reed instruments like these to order.

“The Venerables” display of historical instruments included a left-handed viola dating to 1859, a 1937 8-string, a hurdy-gurdy, double-necked steel guitar, and a couple of historic Gibsons from the 60’s.

NW Handmade Instrument Exhibit, Marylhurst University 2018 | The Good Hearted Woman

I loved the reclaimed, hands-across-time vibe of these electric cigar-box guitars by Del Puckett. (How perfect a name is that for a cigar-box guitar maker!)

NW Handmade Instrument Exhibit, Marylhurst University 2018 | The Good Hearted Woman

After talking with a number of the luthiers (from the French word luth, meaning lute) at the NW Handmade Musical Instrument Exhibit, I noted a couple of common threads. First, the crowd was decidedly male. Many, if not most, began making stringed instruments after first making their living in another field: woodworkers, cabinet makers, teachers, and jewelers seem to dominate my small sample group. All had a life-long passion for creating music and beautiful things. Most also appeared to have both an affinity for facial hair and an AARP card.

NW Handmade Instrument Exhibit, Marylhurst University 2018 | The Good Hearted Woman

While the crowd at the NW Handmade Musical Instrument Exhibit was decidedly heavy on Seeger followers, Zepplin contemporaries, and Boomer wisdom, there were enough representatives of younger generations to give us all hope for the future.

One such youthful example is Adam Mendal, founder of Joyner Instruments [previously Riverbend Instruments]. Relatively new to instrument building, Adam’s was inspired to follow his long-time dream of making stringed instruments after guiding 70-some of his high school students in the building of cajons and cookie tin banjos. He completed his first electric uke in the fall of 2016, just in time to pull on his chuztpah pants and let Jake Shimabokuro take a look at it after a concert. (Seriously – how gutsy is that!) After getting some encouraging words from the reigning uke-king, Adam was ready to make the leap.

NW Handmade Instrument Exhibit, Marylhurst University 2018 | The Good Hearted Woman

Our flagship instrument, the solid body electric ukulele was created not only as a way to push the instrument into new territory, but as a way to bring a new tool to singer songwriters and musicians. (Adam Mendel, Joyner Instruments)

Some of the most bold, innovative instruments we saw at the NW Handmade Musical Instrument Exhibit were made by Thomas Oliver Simensen of Fat Cat Fiddles, out of Kalispell, Montana. Many of Thomas’s instruments transcend the form and take it into the realm of high-art.

NW Handmade Instrument Exhibit, Marylhurst University 2018 | The Good Hearted Woman

Open-Concept Cello, Fat Cat Fiddles

“I have veered off the path of the strict and formal classical violin making traditions… [and] enjoy the freedom to experiment with different woods, body shapes and embellishments, that make each and every instrument that I make totally unique. I do, however, follow most of the time tested construction methods, such as the graduation of the plates, certain proven dimensions, and a proper final set up.” (Thomas Oliver Simensen, Fat Cat Fiddles)

NW Handmade Instrument Exhibit, Marylhurst University 2018 | The Good Hearted Woman

To fully appreciate this “Freedom Fiddle,” take a moment to watch it make a full rotation. (Also, note the stand, made to match)

https://thegoodheartedwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/20180428_145607.mp4

 

NW Handmade Instrument Exhibit, Marylhurst University 2018 | The Good Hearted Woman

NW Handmade Instrument Exhibit, Marylhurst University 2018 | The Good Hearted Woman

If you get a chance to attend future gatherings of the NW Handmade Musical Instrument Exhibit, be sure to take some time to enjoy some of the many performances and demonstrations next door in the Wiegand Performance Hall, located in the BP John building at Marylhurst University. The music itself is mesmerizing, and the acoustics in the space are extraordinary. Mr Ba and I were sitting near the back of the hall, and could easily hear the clean, delicately nuanced tones of the performances, without any kind of external amplification.

NW Handmade Instrument Exhibit, Marylhurst University 2018 | The Good Hearted Woman

If you are a Pacific NW resident and love beautiful music and fine craftsmanship as much as Mr B and I do, I highly recommend that you mark your calendar for the last weekend in April next year to attend. For more information about future events, visit the NW Handmade Instrument Show website.

NW Handmade Instrument Exhibit, Marylhurst University 2018 | The Good Hearted Woman

This huge dogwood on the Marylhurst campus was so beautiful; I had to share it with you!

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Filed Under: Music, Oregon Tagged With: music

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About Renée

Renée is writer, music maker, artist, and storyteller. In her spare time, you can find her writing love songs about cowboys, exploring the moss-covered nooks and crannies of the Pacific Northwest, and making music with her talented singer-husband.

Comments

  1. blankMary Ann says

    May 14 at

    Those are some pretty spectacular instruments! I love the craftsmanship. Beautiful!

    Reply
  2. blankTammy says

    May 14 at

    Oh my son would love this exhibit. He is a music teacher and the violin is his love. And that dogwood is breath taking. My favorite tree.

    Reply
  3. blankTara Pittman says

    May 14 at

    Those pieces are so pretty. I wish I had violin like this when I played one. Maybe I would be still playing.

    Reply
  4. blankAmber Myers says

    May 14 at

    Oh wow, everything is so gorgeous! I am impressed by the talent it takes to make these. My daughter wishes she owned a violin. We had been renting one.

    Reply
  5. blankJessica Taylor says

    May 14 at

    Wow those are beautiful! This exhibit is full of breathtaking instruments! So much talent!

    Reply
  6. blankAna De-Jesus says

    May 14 at

    The only musical instrument I ever learned to play was the recorder, unless you count my voice or the few notes I could play on the piano aha. But these handmade instruments are beautiful and it is great that you were able to see them in the exhibition.

    Reply
    • blankRenée ♥ says

      May 14 at

      Even if you don’t play an instrument, it’s such an amazing display of talent and creativity.

      Reply
  7. blankMegan Joy says

    May 14 at

    Wow, so many beautiful handcrafted things. It takes a true artist to make something like that. I’m sure you had a blast checking them all out!m

    Reply
  8. blankMarlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

    May 14 at

    Wow, these are incredible! So much talent, time, and love involved with each one. So beautiful. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  9. blankCristina Coroiu says

    May 15 at

    What a great show. To see all those beautiful and carefully design music instruments and to hear some of them how they sound is amazing. Great exhibition.

    Reply
  10. blankCatherine @ To & Fro Fam says

    May 15 at

    It’s so cool how those instruments are works of art, and how they also create art. Side note: Thank you for this post. It reminded me of a dear family friend who passed away a few months ago who was a guitar historian, among other things, and although it made me sad to think of him I also smiled. xo

    Reply
    • blankRenée ♥ says

      May 15 at

      I’m glad the post recalled some sweet memories for you, Catherine. I am so sorry for your loss.

      Reply
  11. blankWhat Corinne Did says

    May 15 at

    The photos are gorgeous! Instruments are such pieces of art I would not see them made in any other ways than by hand! What a fantastic exhibition!

    Reply
  12. blankMary says

    May 15 at

    Wow! What a cool event. I just marked my calendar to check it out next year. Would love to experience this. Also I loved your description of the crowd 😉 You cracked me up!

    Reply
    • blankRenée ♥ says

      May 15 at

      Just keepin’ it real. Mary. Just keepin’ it real. ?

      Reply
  13. blankKelsey says

    May 15 at

    Oh my goodness, wow! That guitar with the clouds and moon on the neck is so, so beautiful. Now I want to go home and play my instruments.

    Reply
  14. blankDaisi says

    May 15 at

    Wow. I wish I could make instruments like that. They don’t look hand made at all. The event also seems like it went really well.

    Reply
  15. blankSomeBizarreMonkey says

    May 15 at

    Truly an epic occasion to celebrate craftsmanship. The details and textures in the instruments are simply amazing!

    Reply
  16. blankCasey says

    May 16 at

    This is such a craftsmanship, amazing product.

    Reply
  17. blankHey Sharonoox says

    May 16 at

    This looks like a successful exhibition with talented musical instrument makers. I like that each piece has its story. My 3rd grader is into violin and we have changed 3 violins for him so far.

    Reply
    • blankRenée ♥ says

      May 16 at

      I had kids in violin, too, and I remember having to get a bigger violin almost every year.

      Reply
  18. blankSam says

    May 16 at

    What a cool exhibit! My hubby would love this!!

    Reply
  19. blankJocelyn says

    May 16 at

    The detailing on the instruments is extraordinary! I would love to come to this type of event just to look at what beautiful instruments are created.

    Reply
  20. blankMeagan Badore says

    May 16 at

    I am not a musician but as an artist, these pieces are gorgeously made. The craftmanship and pride are reflected in their beauty.

    Reply
  21. blankLavanda Michelle says

    May 17 at

    these are some awesome instruments.I would love to come to this event, i would love to touch and gear the sounds.

    Reply
  22. blankWaren Jean says

    May 17 at

    Just wow for all those talented people who can handcraft instruments like this. Passion definitely takes you places. This is amazing!

    Reply
  23. blankKhushboo says

    May 17 at

    wow those are really beautiful handmade instruments. Would love to visit there sometime. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  24. blankDeb dutta says

    May 17 at

    Love all the guitars! My hubby would love love this!

    Reply

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