Perry Guitars

Thursday, January 21, 2010

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.