April 8 2006

In the first picture you see the finished bridge ready to be glued to the guitar, the following pictures, taken the next day after the guitar has been strung for the first time. By this time, I"ve let Joshua know that I've put up a website to tell the story of Issa and the story of a remarkable luthier.

Jerry,
-great site! I'm really humbled and honored that you put that kind of time into it. I hope Issa proves to be everything you wanted her to be, and that she inspires you to play a lot!

Joshua,
Obviously you don't know how good you are!! :-) Honestly, I've never seen anything as beautiful. I think you've outdone yourself. My wife is speechless standing here looking at the pictures. I will make the changes you mentioned and add some front shots of La Sombra tomorrow. Thank you for doing such a good job my friend. I will be the envy of every guitarist in Portland.--Jerry

Jerry,
Thanks a lot! I'm glad you like everything so far. Wait until the polish is on, she'll really look good then! Okay a quick morning update. She is sounding great, developing a lot which is expected for the first 24 hours. She sounds Spanish - /very/ Spanish for having a set of D'addarios on her. The basses are deep and very round sounding, very full with a great enveloping nature to them. The trebles are beautiful and clear, and when you play them with bass notes there is great separation as if you hear all notes at different times. The guitar is very responsive and colorful, it responds well to nuances in playing - of course figuring out how to get all the best sounds from her is something you'll have to figure out (but don't worry, that should only take an afternoon). Harmonics are also very easy to play and sustain well. The guitar both sustains well and is very responsive. It practically plays the notes before you pluck them.Also - by Spanish, I mean old Spanish.... way way different than your Ramirez. Anyway, it will be interesting to see what happens when I get a better set of strings on her. Right now she sounds wonderful, and if I can put her down for a few I'll throw the Goldins on and give you another update tonight.
Best wishes,
Joshua

My friend Jim Reed, a fellow student of Alfredo Muro's writes this, after going through this website

"I will be the envy of every guitarist in Portland.--Jerry"


Jerry:

How could you do this to the rest of us? We will forever by relegated to the back room in playing our "Wal-Mart Guitars!" (Actually, I am quite fond of my 1st classical guitar made by Fernando Estrada from Argentina).

After spending an hour reading your web site on "The Birth of of Issa" I don't think I have endured such emotions since the birth of my Son & Daughter. What a wonderful journey that you took us on!

Joshua French truly has an impeccable pedigree in being one of the world's finest luthiers. With his relationship with Jose Romanillos brings the book that I was telling you about "The Classical Guitar Book - A complete History" (based on the Russell Cleveland Collection) to life. Jose along with his son Liam are featured in the book with their guitars and workshop. If you haven't got a copy I can loan you mine as I am sure that you will be on a budget after having Joshua French handcraft this incredible new Classical Guitar called Issa for "your collection."
It is a must for anyone involved in playing the Classical Guitar or in hand making them.

Congratulations to you, and I am hoping in the "very near future" that I can be invited for a viewing and a short recital. My hat off to Joshua French in creating an incredible piece of art & handmade musical instrument- all the time with your keeping tabs on his every move via the Internet and digital photography. What a feat in itself.

Thank you for sharing this with all of us.

Jim Reed
Alfredo Muro's 3rd year Student
Portland, Oregon

PS:
I won't have to go to this years Luthier's Handmade Musical Instrument Exhibit on the 22nd of April since I was able to experience it on line first hand on you web site.