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Larry Robinson -
                    Creative Inlay

2002 Dates:  April 10 -11,  Aug 31 - Sep 1


Ornamental inlay work is a very sophisticated and creative area of lutherie, and Larry Robinson has pushed its boundaries as far as anyone working today.  His book, THE ART OF INLAY, beautifully illustrates both the range of his art and his mastery of the craft.  In addition to his custom work for both musicians and other luthiers, Larry is responsible for much of the fancy inlay work seen on the most expensive models and commemorative pieces offered by the major guitar companies.  The Martin Guitar Co. is so happy with Larry's work on their Guitar # 750,000 that they have commissioned him to pull out all the stops on their upcoming guitar # 1,000,000.  Larry's work has been featured in museum exhibits, art galleries and in every contemporary survey of the work. 


This two-day hands-on workshop will cover the entire field, from basic principles and beginning practices to intermediate and advanced techniques.  Larry will discuss and demonstrate his own procedures for designing, cutting, installing and engraving a wide range of both standard and non-traditional materials, with an emphasis on doing the work well, doing it quickly and doing it profitably.  Larry will also share his experience of setting up shop and running a business as an inlay artist.

Larry's book and instructional videos will be available, discounted for workshop participants.   A list of the basic tools (Dremel tool, jeweler's saw, etc.) that you'll bring with you to this workshop will be included with our letter confirming receipt of your enrollment.

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INSTRUCTOR'S  BIO:

Larry began his career as a luthier in 1972 as an apprentice to New England guitar builder Bennett Tolliver.  In 1975 he moved to California and began a four-year stint with Alembic Inc., which at that time was "the pinnacle of lutherie which the rest of the guitar industry was trying to attain."  After four years of building custom instruments for top name performers and setting up production guitars and basses, he switched jobs to a startup company, Turner Guitars.  

When Turner Guitars moved out of the area in 1981, he joined Modulus Graphite, a San Francisco company making graphite-necked guitars and basses. 

There he made wooden masters and molds for new neck models, as well as building custom instruments and setting up production models. Throughout this time he was also doing custom inlay work from his home.  In 1984 there was enough inlay work for him to go into business for himself.  Today he inlays guitars, banjos, and art objects for customers and collectors around the world.  His work has appeared in many books and magazines.  In 1994, in response to a growing interest in this field, he wrote The Art of Inlay, published by the Miller Freeman Co. of San Francisco.  To date it has sold about 10,000 copies.  Starting in 1997 he produced a three-volume set of inlay instructional videos. 

Larry has taught and presented at lutherie seminars and schools all over the country and is a regular instructor at ASL.  For a look at Larry's work, see his web site:  www.robinsoninlays.com.

To reserve a spot in this class, print out, complete and mail in the registration form along with your tuition deposit.  Tuition for this 2-day workshop is $350 - tuition deposit is $100.

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