Our great and glorious festival of lutherie for 2017 is over, and it was an tremendous success! Often copied but never duplicated, the Guild of American Luthiers Convention/Exhibition is legendary and highly anticipated in the lutherie community. Once again, the GAL Convention brought together luthiers from all over the US, Canada, and the world, of all specialties and skill levels, seasoned pros and part-timers, in a spirit of cooperation and camaraderie for a great lutherie event!

Hundreds of luthiers and their friends and families – over 400 people in all – reveled in four-and-a-half days of super-charged lutherie learning and fun. So many great lectures and workshops were presented by talented luthiers on a wide range of topics, along with listening sessions where members could hear their instruments played by professional musicians in a concert hall setting; three days of exhibition where members could show and see some amazing instruments by seasoned masters and new builders; opportunities to purchase lutherie woods, tools, and supplies from over a dozen suppliers; three nights of concerts, music salons and open mikes; and last but not least, the fun-filled GAL Benefit Auction. It was a great week that we won’t forget!

Thanks to our fantastic group of presenters who generously shared their time and expertise to make such a wonderful experience for all, and to all the members who attended and participated. We couldn’t do it without you!
Watch this page and our facebook page for pics in the near future, and for coverage in the fall issues of American Lutherie.