From my mailbox:
Hi Connie and all my friends,
It has been a long time since I have been in contact, much water has flowed under the bridge and my situation has changed.
I am now 73 and had my 4th and most serious back surgery a couple of years ago with fused vertebra and metal rods inserted. (Have so much metal in my back that I am picking up alien transmissions) My back has deteriorated to the point that I have had to give up shows and it is very painful to work. This, together with the fact that my wife has Alzheimer's has forced me to throw in the towel as most of my efforts are going into taking care of her. (Have been doing that for 50+ years and am not going to stop now.)
Anyway, here is my situation - While I am no longer making instruments, I have quite a few remaining instruments and have them on my website - www.archiesmithinstruments.com . I have seriously lowered prices and will consider serious offers. My instruments are made for a purpose - which is to go out and give pleasure to those who play them and to those who hear them. It really distresses me to think that they might wind up in a box or a flea market. I am "trying to find good homes for my 'children'". If anyone knows of someone who might be interested, please let them know to check out my website.
ALSO - if you know of anyone who is making bowed psalteries, I have a LOT of bookmatched tops and backs left over. (Have never been able to turn down a beautiful piece of wood, so I have made a lot and still have approx. 200.) These are all made from highly figured domestic and exotic woods - from Bubinga to Zebrawood. (Also have jigs, etc.) Am also selling the Sprinter Hilton - 2008 2500 Sprinter Van w/1.5K miles and many extras.
May you ALL have safe trips, great shows and FABULOUS SALES. Will miss seeing all of you "on the circuit".
Archie Smith
Archie Smith Instruments
info@archiesmithinstruments.com
arcsmith@ctc.net
If you are new to this site, here is more information about Archie: http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blog/show?id=2160589%3ABlogPost%3A341821&commentId=2160589%3AComment%3A343047
Comments
Sad news. I was lucky enough to compliment his amazing work once.
Sad news but it sounds like you're making the right decision for you and your wife. Hope you can find buyers for your instruments, they sound lovely.
Sorry to read this. Lu and I were across from Archie at Summerfair for a number of years. Still remember a lamppost instant. Have passed this message on to my brother-in -law who may have an interest in the dulcimers.
Good Luck Archie and our prayers are with you and your wife.
Lu and Wallace Fuller