Renowned local guitar guru offers a free clinic to instrument owners

Nov 19, 2009

Luthier Oskar Graf examines a few 6 stringed specimens at the Country Know-how guitar workshop

Players of stringed musical instruments from far and wide came out of the wood work on Saturday and had their turn to ask professional luthier Oskar Graf of Clarendon his advice on how to fix and/or care for their beloved instruments in the most recent Country Know-how workshop held on Nov.14 at Oso Hall in Sharbot Lake.

A handful of guitar players and one mandolin player brought instruments of all makes, shapes and sizes, some in various stages of disrepair, to be looked at by Grag, who has been making guitars for 35 years.

Like a good doctor, Oskar spent time patiently looking and examining each guitar offering his advice and know how.

At one point the took out a mirrored instrument from his tool case to get a closer look at the insides of a poor caved in specimen. Much to the owners delight was not in as bad shape as he initially thought.

For many it was a one of a kind chance to hear first hand from the mouth and mind of a guitar making guru the ins and outs of keeping your guitar humidified, the best advice on cases, how best adjust or repair a guitar whose “action” is too high or low.

He also spoke in general about certain models and makes and also shared interesting stories with the group. He addressed specific questions about particular instruments and shared his abundant knowledge.

Like a sick person or animal, a sick guitar is best diagnosed first hand by a long time professional. What a nice gift from a Osakr Graf to give to the community.