Is anybody interested in a Collings Forum gathering some time this year? I've had a few emails asking when the next one is going to be held. Things should be slowing down for me at work in the next few weeks so I can help organize something. Kevin Davis at Hill Country Guitars has graciously offered to help organize it too. So, if we want to do something let's start working on the what and when of it all.

Regards,
Allen

I would love to come back to Austin for another get together but I'm thinking early Fall would be a great time. The timing for Spring doesn't leave a lot of time for getting things together and summers are reserved for my other hobbies. I would enjoy seeing Hill Country Guitars and also checking out Kinscherff guitars shop if at all possible while I'm there. I'm sure no matter when you decide to hold it a good time will be had by everyone. There are lots of things to see in the Austin area and the problem is having enough time to enjoy them. Keep us informed on what transpires and hopefully I'll be able to make it.........George

I'd like to, but I don't think I can get a company sponsored trip this year. Paying for the trip would cut into my guitar budget, which is sadly depleted at this time. Everyone come to Denver. We'll party at my place.

Hey guys

I would definately be interested in another get together. I'm actually going to be in Austin during the Old Settlers festival in mid April, however my weekends are open and I would love to get together with some collings guitar lovers.

I think checking out Hill Country Guitars would be cool, I've seen their website and it looks like they have some really interesting stuff

Hell......Alan if no one else shows up, I'll drive out there, bring my guitar and some beer and we'll jam and talk about collings

I'm realizing that I need to make a pilgrimage to the holy land of Austin and worship at the house of Collings....


Whatever folks decide, I'm game


Jon

If you guys put it together, I will do my absolute best to be there. I thought the last one was fantastic.

Bill

Bill,
My other hobbies are ones I think you would like. I just got back from 18 days in sunny Florida........George

Allen, Count me in again. I'll try better to not lose you all this time LOL! Papple, Kevin at Hill Country Guitars is a Kinscherff dealer now but if we can go to Jamies I'd love to tag along as well. Are you the Confederate owner? Cheers, Will

If we can do it in the fall, I will do my absolute best to be there.

I'll bring some lefty Collings', you can scratch your head as you attempt to play them, as I will with yours.

Ten Thumbs,
Yes sir I do own a Confederate but I'm thinking of selling it so I can buy more guitars. I would be a rich man if it weren't for motorcycles or guitars. I'm hoping the dates work out for me because I sure had a good time and enjoyed meeting everyone. PM me and let me know whats going on in your neck of the woods.
Later,
George

At this point I don't think we can realistically pull anything together in time to beat the hot weather this spring so I think we should shoot for fall. Does sometime in September work for everyone? If so, I'll check with the folks at Collings to see when would be best for the factory tour.

I think September is a great time. If people are interested, I could probably arrange a "workshop" during that time period. I can always get Ray Wylie Hubbard to do a songwriting thing, or Redd Volkaert for the Tele players, or possibly one of the Collings artists. Once we pick a date, I can do some digging to see who's available.

Last October, at the RMMGA's annual gathering in Wimberley, I got really lucky and had Tommy Emmanuel in the shop for a 2-hour workshop. Who knows, I might get lucky again.

There are two other great builders here in Wimberley, Jamie Kinscherff and Tony Nobles. I'm sure Jamie would love to show people his shop and a few guitars in process. Tony Nobles, writes a monthly article for Vintage Guitar and is now also building flat tops. He built Ray Wylie Hubbard's three guitars, and just finished a Brazilian dreadnought for Pat Green.

One other possibility is to rent out one of the B&Bs here in Wimberley for everyone. We're just 45 minutes to downtown Austin, and only 25 minutes to Collings.

Kevin Davis
Hill Country Guitars

I like September because it'll be a little cooler then and it will also give me time to practice some so I don't totally embarrass myself in front of youse guys.

I like the B&B idea. I think that would give us more opportunities to socialize and jam since we'd all be staying a the same place. Cost might be an issue, but what does everyone think of the renting out a B&B for the weekend idea?

A workshop would be great, Kevin, as would visits with Jamie and Tony. I appreciate your assistance with this.

Allen