Posted by snowbirdbanjo on Tuesday, May 30, 2017
"Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything." - George Bernard Shaw
The reevaluation of my move to Alaska had been a dire struggle, one with many accusatory implications. But now that we've been back in Missouri since September of 2016, we've begun rebuilding our life. It is a struggle to convey just how relieved mentally I am by being back. Though I had to leave many good friends, life is better here in Missouri. Hotter, but better.
Before I left to move to Alaska, I was just beginning to get going building banjos. I had 7 banjos ranging from woodys to tubaphones. Since then, they have sat silent in storage. Now, after having build us a place to live and facilitating our immediate needs, I am ready to begin again.
I have begun to organize my shop building that was originally intended to build banjos but became a temporary storage building. It was so full I had not even a pathway to walk through. Now, cleaning out the household items, I am able to setup a temporary shop area to finish a few banjos. Its not perfect but its closer to the end goal. Financial situation now dictates that I get moving soon and that my plans to update the shop building will have to wait until more money is available. For now, I feel I am going to be able to at least put out a few (as many as 5) banjos. Maybe not as efficiently as one would hope, but the banjo production has begun. Most of the electrical needs are limited to 110v outlets thankfully. I am unable to use my 220v equipment at the moment but this is not something that will prevent me from finishing what I've already started.
Chief among my banjo building priorities is to build me a banjo! I've been without a decent one since I traded the last one I built to my graphic designer for a company logo. It's been pretty rough playing on my old cheap Kay openback.
I've always wanted a Tubaphone, so I am building one. I also have always loved the look of brass and copper so I am adding that too.
So far, this is where I am at. I am considering a few artistic additions to this as well. The Mother of Pearl dogwood flower is at the 12th fret.
I have intentions of starting with two banjos. The maple tubaphone and an ebony tone ring walnut banjo. The walnut banjo will be sold.
When I am able, the shop will be modified from its current state into the below layout. We currently are using the office and bathroom indicated on the layout as a home, but when we've been able to build our house, I will convert this into the office. That portion of the plans (the office and bathroom) have already been completed.
All of the lines in black are the original building, anything in grey are modifications I have made or will make. The wall separating the restroom and office from the rest is currently in place. The finish room and the upper portion of the shop do not exist. I have plans to extend the shop out that direction. Until the money becomes available, will continue to use it as is. When the shop is no longer used for our house, I will redo the entry into the office and remove the door.
So I will leaving you with the future. The goal. Change is good...a goal is better.
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