#king cello

[alvnyohanesi91]

キング・チェロ & 「リュート」

このゲームは本当に楽しめました。正直言って、他のメディアでストリングマイア家のように擬人化された楽器がこれほどうまく描かれるのを目にすることはないだろうと思います。

[behindthebridgeblog]

Luthier Spotlight: Kevin Halbrooks from West Music

Kevin Halbrooks, Stringed Instrument Repair Specialist and luthier for West Music, told us a bit about his journey through the industry:

What is your earliest musical memory? I have been involved in music my entire life beginning at age five singing in my mother’s choir. I picked up the string bass in 6th grade and never looked back.

What was your college degree? I graduated from Minnesota State College Southeast Repair School in Red Wing, Minnesota with degrees in Guitar Construction and Violin Repair.

What kind of apprenticeship experience did you have? Red Wing set me in the right direction. Lizbeth Butler, my mentor and instructor, encouraged me to accept a learning opportunity with Peter Shaw, owner of The Amati Shop in Houston, Texas. I have taken inspiration from Peter and modeled my shop at West Music based on my experience with Amati.

What was the first instrument you ever made? The first instrument I made was a Martin OM replica when I was 18 years old. I started my first violin at age 19 and completed the Strad copy at 21, after starting with West Music.

What is your favorite instrument from another maker? As a bass player, I am always searching for that next bass. At 16 I was fascinated with Carl Thompson’s electric basses. His craftsmanship has inspired me to become a luthier. My favorite instrument from him is the “$10 Million Bass.” His choice of wood and grain pattern makes this bass a true work of art.

I was fortunate to live near the National Music Museum in Vermillion, South Dakota. They house the “King Cello” which has a fantastic story!

What is your favorite tool? My grandfather was an accomplished wood worker. I inherited his carving pick, which I use daily.

What would you be doing if you weren’t a luthier? I would be in wood working of some sort. I am the third generation in my family that has gone into some sort of wood craft.

What project are you currently working on? I am finishing a vintage Roth viola. The top was crushed and has required extensive restoration. Additionally, I was commissioned to build a Gibson A5 Mandolin copy and am currently graduating the plates of this instrument.

How did you end up at West Music? Half way through my first year of guitar building school, my instructor noticed my enthusiasm towards violin construction. I made the decision to focus my attention there. It’s a good thing I did because that is how I met my wife: in violin construction class at Red Wing. We now work together at West Music where she is our Orchestral Education Representative. We partner to service the local schools and professionals for everything string-related in the Eastern Iowa area.