Tools for musical expression, works of art, touchstones in history—guitars are many things. They give us a lot to learn and talk about, and they make the player, builders, and enthusiasts that make up our community an interesting bunch to hang out with.

As a luthier who’s built guitars for the stars and axes for the working musician, Abe Wechter is another builder who understands how broad the guitar’s appeal can be. Check out this month’s interview to see how his company has made the jump from custom shop to a manufacturer of affordable flattops.
What changes and new products does your company have in the works? Drop me a line at acousticguitartrade@stringletter.com and let me know what your company has in store for the rest of the year.

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Charles Saufley, associate editor of Acoustic Guitar, has been a professional writer and editor for 15 years. He is a guitarist who frequently performs in the San Francisco Bay Area and around the United States.

FENDER LAUNCHES FENDER UNIVERSITY
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation enjoys not only a reputation for versatile, quality instruments, but a dedicated culture surrounding the aesthetic and historical appeal of its guitars. This month the company announced a program for educating enthusiasts about each facet of the Fender experience in a series of workshops, factory visits, and special guest appearances called Fender University. The inaugural session, which is limited to 35 guitar and bass players, regardless of skill level or style, will take place August 21–24, 2008, in Corona, California. Registration information is available through the Fender website at www.fender.com/university.

DAVID SCHILLER RELEASES POSTCARD-SIZE GUITAR BOOK THIS MONTH
Author David Schiller will release his Guitars: A Celebration of Pure Mojo this month. The unique, 4-x-6 inch, 528-page paperback edition, is overflowing with color photos of guitars from Ditson dreadnoughts and mid-century Gibson Jumbos to eclectic electrics of every stripe. The book, which is available to retailers in an eight-copy counter display, is available through Workman Publishing. www.workman.com

A CHAT WITH ABE WECHTER
Abe Wechter has built guitars since the 1970s. He’s worked for Gibson, where he designed and built John McLaughlin’s famous “Shakti” guitar, as well as custom models for Al DiMeola and B.B. King. In 1984, he opened his own shop, where he continued to build custom instruments and innovative models like his Pathmaker double cutaway. More recently, he’s introduced an affordable line of high-quality imported flattops and the 9600 model solid-body electric.

You’ve built custom guitars for some of the most famous players in the world. Now, you’re building good guitars that working players can afford. What challenges have you encountered reaching out to entry-level players that your custom background didn’t prepare you for?

The most difficult transition for me was letting go of a personal attachment to some of my hand tools. And I've had to deal with the business side of guitar making in ways I never was attracted to. But the same focus I developed as a custom builder serves me well now that my business has broadened to include affordable guitars and custom work.
Succeeding at whatever goal you set is the best preparation for future success. Skills can be learned, but commitment comes from the person behind the name. [more]

GIBSON SOUTHERN JUMBO TRUE VINTAGE
Modern interpretation of the J-45's fancier cousin combines vintage looks, fat tones, and modern playability. With video.

June 20–22
SUMMER NAMM
Nashville, Tennessee
www.namm.org

June 27–29
MONTREAL GUITAR SHOW
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
www.montrealguitarshow.com

July 26–27
BAY AREA WORLD GUITAR SHOW
San Rafael, California
www.txshows.com

August 5–10
GUITAR FOUNDATION OF AMERICA
INTERNATION CONVENTION AND COMPETITION
San Francisco, California
www.guitarfoundation.org/drupal/convention

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