Move to Scotland to not. You still need to sort a course at the Bailey workshop...it’s like guitar making Mecca

@david-johnson09 Yeah I agree. Do you think we all need to start kneeling and praying, pointing towards the Bailey workshop, wherever we are in the world. Three times a day, without fail! @markbailey 

 ? Not sure that’s quite  necessary but what I can say is that the world would be a better place if “everyone” spent time at the Bailey workshop, building a guitar or even just a visit. It’s the most relaxing place in the world bar non and based in a lovely place in the country.

Making a guitar under the watchful eye of Mark, lots of brews and biscuits is great fun. Mark wondering off on his own at lunch (probably to wind down after being with numpties like me or others all morning and trying to keep himself calm for yet another session with idiot builders in the afternoon). That gives you a chance to have awesome soup and warm bread with the good company of Carol and Fiona (the chef) and a good chat with your course members.

Back in the day having a chat with Billy (a really nice guy and finishing expert....very sadly missed ?). Back into the shop and doing some sanding, cutting, carving or whatever. A night eating and having a drink or two with your new “Bailey Friends”, a good nights sleep and back to do It all again the next day before completing something really special. Personally it was a life changing experience an something I will forever cherish. 

I was lucky enough to meet Lewis on the last visit and give him a ride home from the shop on the way back to my B&B and talking to him he was as nice a guy as his dad Billy. I hope he stays with the Bailey team as I’m sure he will be a great asset.

The two guitars I have made in the Bailey shop (over a few visits) are the best I have ever seen or played and I have a few axes in the collection.

The experience I had while there and the camaraderie I have had with fellow builders on the courses are second to non. I can’t wait to visit again soon....Carol already has my details for a new course of either a 335 (@TV1010101) or an archtop build.

It’s not always about learning something new (we get that on the new live feeds plus other sources) it’s about being with nice, like minded people and having a lovely time while learning different ways to do what we love...

@johnnierox-boo It’s not an option to visit the Bailey team at their workshop .....it’s a must...

Here endeth the lesson ??

Deej ...out!

It’s not an option to visit the Bailey team at their workshop .....it’s a must...

@david-johnson09 OK, point taken, I’ll put it on my list. I think the online course is fantastic but the picture you have painted of the workshop experience sounds like it will be 100 times better. Cheers Deej, I appreciate it. 

Cheers Deej, I appreciate it. 

I honestly hope you do manage to experience it ....it’s what they say makes the Bailey smile..?

I hope to see you there John L...

completely agree. I am planning on laminating (quelle surprise!!) a matching mahogany cover for the electric macca rather than using plastic.

Its the details like that which - IMHO of course - make a real difference.  Making the little extra effort to make something a little special!

Someone went and tipped some paint all over it .

@tv1010101 That is a stunning build and a wonderful collection, impressive work. 

Thanks @johnnierox-boo - though I can't claim all the credit given that those guitars came out of Mark's workshop.

No-one ever comes out of that workshop with a guitar that isn't stunning.

Someone went and tipped some paint all over it .

@tv1010101 That is a stunning build and a wonderful collection, impressive work. 

Thanks @johnnierox-boo - though I can't claim all the credit given that those guitars came out of Mark's workshop.

No-one ever comes out of that workshop with a guitar that isn't stunning.

No-one ever comes out of that workshop with a guitar that isn't stunning.

Another reason to go on his courses....

It’s not always about learning something new (we get that on the new live feeds plus other sources) it’s about being with nice, like minded people and having a lovely time while learning different ways to do what we love...

Seriously @david-johnson09 - that's how I've looked at the courses too.

It's a week's holiday - doing something far more enjoyable than laying on a busy beach.

Spent with a bunch of friendly people who share the same interest, under the watchful eyes of the M&C double-act.

Learning some new skills by day, with some fun nights out too.

Oh, and you also come away with a guitar unlike anything that you could buy in any shop.

Exactly @TV1010101 ...... 

Seriously @david-johnson09 - that's how I've looked at the courses too.

It's a week's holiday - doing something far more enjoyable than laying on a busy beach.

Spent with a bunch of friendly people who share the same interest, under the watchful eyes of the M&C double-act.

Learning some new skills by day, with some fun nights out too.

@david-johnson09 @tv1010101 It sounds like a little bit of heaven really. Feeling relaxed, having a laugh, learn some new stuff, making friends with nice people and help form a new force in the world, the Bailey Guitar Builders Task Force. ?????? It would be good to meet up with you guys up there sometime in the future in the workshop. What do you do for accommodation? 

Ah-hahhhh @deej now?

That's going to be a lot easier!!

What do you do for accommodation? 

"Accomodation"??

Its a 24/7 course @johnnierox-boo.  But only for a week, so you'll survive.

😉

Back in the old days, we all used to stay at M&Cs.

But then C got a bit stroppy because we used to eat all the lentils.

So last time it was B&B in the town.  Which actually works really well (as well as giving M&C a brief break) as it's a great opportunity to sample some local "entertainment establishments" in the evenings.

(by which I mean pubs & restaurants)

On a coupe of visits I stayed in a B&B and on another I stayed in apartment Carol had manage to source for me and fellow builder (And other Dave aka Bones). Both were very reasonable.

Ah-hahhhh @deej now?

I try to be helpful @tv1010101 ? 

@TV1010101 this thread came up on my unread feed, must be the change over to the new host. Anyway I hadn’t noticed the build has what looks like a midi system?

Which system/version is it as I quit fancy trying that. I had a Godin that had one on but I would like to try in my own build at some stage.

@deej - just the standard Graphtech system.

As you can see, there's a bit of extra wiring to fit into the cavity, but it was a fairly painless process as long as you follow the diagram.

Which reminds me ... I guess a Roland GR20 counts as a "pedal" ?  That's why I wanted the Graphtech system in this build.

Epic builds!

 Would love to experience the workshop one day. It’s a must.  A much needed vacation for my wife and I in the U.K. It has been in our bucket list for we have never been and maybe prepare a meal one night for everyone. My other passion is cooking for I am an Executive Chef by profession but always a musician by heart. When permitting, will visit soon for sure.