I recently learned about a luthier in Bedford, Virginia, James Jones, who has been making mountain music instruments for several decades (hammered dulcimers, bowed psaltries, zithers, Appalachian dulcimers, harps, slit drums, thumb pianos, and Celtic bouzoukis). The instruments are beautiful and compelling, not only in their sound but in the mountain traditions they preserve for future generations.
You can view his instruments and other items (he makes kitchen cutting boards out of scrap wood) at his web site. But I really want to recommend this Flickr slide show of the making of a Celtic bouzouki (sort of a mandolin on steroids). As the 150 images pass by, one is struck by the solitary, silent life of a master craftsman—a person who finds contentment in designing and constructing objects of utility and beauty for others to enjoy. The slide show takes just a few minutes to view and is well worth the time.
You can view his instruments and other items (he makes kitchen cutting boards out of scrap wood) at his web site. But I really want to recommend this Flickr slide show of the making of a Celtic bouzouki (sort of a mandolin on steroids). As the 150 images pass by, one is struck by the solitary, silent life of a master craftsman—a person who finds contentment in designing and constructing objects of utility and beauty for others to enjoy. The slide show takes just a few minutes to view and is well worth the time.
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