A buzz at the door, a friendly elevator man in an old building in New York City, and a cozy one room workshop all add up to one thing... musical magic.
The art of guitar making goes back centuries, and we are happy to report, still alive and well. On a recent trip to the city we were lucky enough to pop in on Ric McCurdy of McCurdy Guitars.
A one man operation, his workshop bares all the hallmarks of his trade: guitar frames hanging from racks in the ceiling, tools neatly organized on the walls, and the best part? Imagination and creativity peeking out from every corner.
McCurdy has been making guitars for over 25 years now, because he took a moment to listen, and then to act, and it shows. We couldn't help but ooh and ahhh over the craftsmanship and originality of his guitars, not to mention the sheer beauty of the wonderful instruments he creates.
During our visit he was kind enough to show us a few tricks of his trade, including the belt sanding of a guitar neck which he says is "old school", but still the best way to get the right shape and feel...
... and few new innovations he has been working on as well.
A true musician's guitar maker, McCurdy loves the work he does, his eyes light up when he talks about his instruments and how he makes them. McCurdy says playability and tone are the hallmarks of his instruments, but that what is most important is the legacy they create every time someone strums one of his guitars, "I won't be around in a hundred years, but my guitars will be, and they will still be making music... making people happy." We couldn't agree more.
Thank you Ric McCurdy for a very special visit!
McCurdy Guitars
19 Hudson Street
New York, N.Y. 10013
Phone: (212)-274-8352
~Jordan
P.S. Click Here to see the winner of last week's giveaway: Two Amazing Birding Guides!
*Last time in Books and Stories: Two Amazing Birding Guides!
