In my previous post I mentioned the recent death of a friend of mine. His name is Bill Neely, and I met him when I first moved to Damascus in 2006. We had several things in common, such as we were both auto mechanics turned instrument makers. I sought his guidance when I decided to make my first guitar, and though I won't say that he taught me guitar making, he certainly helped demystify the process. After that, we began sharing ideas and resources, and showing and demonstrating our latest works. Sadly, due to health reasons, Bill had to cease his work last year. He asked me if I wanted to buy some of his equipment, and I did. Upon receipt of some machines, tone woods, instrument parts, and many specialty hand tools, I found what once was a fine gouge, that Bill, after an obvious unsuccessful attempt of modification for his own purposes resulting in a bent and broken edge, set aside in a repository of other hardware anomalies. I also had it set aside in similar company, until this week, when I determined it would suite the purpose, with a little forging into a shape close to a fish hook, of a gouge that would allow me to make "heart shape" violin tuning pegs. Although I have many of Bill's old tools, this will be a special one for me to remember him by.
Bill died last week, after succumbing to injuries suffered in a car accident. I will miss a friend and kindred spirit.
Bill died last week, after succumbing to injuries suffered in a car accident. I will miss a friend and kindred spirit.