Perry Guitars

Guitars are a passion. I will never be a great player and maybe not even a decent player, but I'm all over the sensual things in life and I love the sound and feel of a fine instrument. I've been lucky to own some amazing instruments built by a local luthier at Perry Gutiars. I'd encourage you to poke around his gallery on line and drink in the fine skills on display there.

I'm fortunate to call Daryl a friend and periodically I get my fill of the luthiers art in his shop. This week was one of those times and I thought to bring a camera with me. Looks are good, but it's the sound that's most important. I remember years ago, having Daryl suggest that 90% of people buy guitars with their eyes. From what beauty he brings to the game now I can easily be swayed. He has some sound clips posted and there are a few of his clients posted on youtube, but I'll leave those links to be sussed out by the curious.

Daryl used to make many more steel stringed instruments than he does now. His classical instruments grace the worlds stages in fine fashion. I don't know many of Daryl's steel string fans, but I know Steve Bell is a strong advocate of Daryl's work. I actually got to play a role in Steve falling in love with Daryl's guitars by using my first guitar in a recording. He's a gracious man and I'm in awe of his playing.

Now Daryl's son Jesse is reaching the point in his skill set that I'm getting tempted to buy in again, but I think I can resist. Maybe. Hopefully.

Jessie Perry's latest guitar under construction

Headstock



Neck in mahogany



Body/neck joint

I'm not sure what this joint is, but it's old and there is virtually no one that does this anymore. It's a brilliant bit of engineering, but wholly ridiculous in it's demands on time and skill. Of course that's something that's very dear to my heart.



Back in rosewood



Top in engelmman spruce



Daryl's current effort under construction

Headstock



Sides in satinwood



Top in Italian spruce



Wild binding

Eggs again, thankfully

The past couple of days have signaled that the egg drought is over! Two dozen in two days from our small flock are wonderful results given that it's mid winter and the light is thin these days. I learnt some things along the way so expect to have some outstanding hatch rates this spring. I love the feed they are on just now. It's of my own formulation which means that it's pretty darn clean food.

In culling the birds in the fall I inadvertently shuffled out a few layers. That, in combination with the upset in changing the dynamics of the flock at a time of year when some birds shut down egg laying naturally, lead to catastrophe in the egg production department.

We had been forced to buy a few dozen eggs this winter and that only served inspire me to redouble my efforts and get these birds of mine back on line. Hopefully next year we won't be repeating the interruption in service from the girls.

Mystery baking pan

This pan says it's made in England. Does anyone know what it is designed to bake? I've been lusting after some madeleine pans, but that's not what these are I don't think. Maybe an English version of them?

Self portrait

From the way back machine... 1987. That was a great guitar. Christmas was full of surprises and warm family fun this year.