As you all know, I let the "Big Reveal" out of the bag in the
information I sent you in the green envelops... Bob Campo, master craftsman extraordinaire,
is building an electric guitar for the reunion. It'll be auctioned off to raise funds for
the Sisters of Divine Providence who taught us so well.
Following is the first of several updates Bob has agreed to do... just to let you know how the project
unfolds....
Hello,
classmates.
Ever since our senior site chat [Facebook] has directed us towards a reunion for this October, Betty and I have become quite excited at the prospect of seeing old friends, acquaintances and classmates we haven't seen or kept up with in years. The more I thought about it, the more I felt I wanted to do something a little special for the occasion, as it has been way too long since we all got together, and no telling how long it will be before it happens again. I have worked with my hands all my life, and most recently have been employed for the last six years building custom furniture here in Alexandria. Having talked to Sheila and Ted Powell, an idea has sort of evolved about not only giving away some token or memento for the reunion, but perhaps enabling us to raise some money for the Sisters of Divine Providence.
At first I thought about a piece of furniture or such, but decided to show Sheila and Ted the efforts of a new venture I have embarked upon. I decided to try my hand at building an electric guitar, and my first attempt seems to be fairly well accepted with the people I have had play it. The guitar Sheila and Ted were shown is my second attempt. When I suggested that perhaps we might have one to auction off, it seems as thought it was 'game on'. So guys, and gals, it is a privilege and a pleasure to offer up one of my first guitars to the efforts of the reunion. Hopefully whoever ends up with it will look at it, or play it occasionally, and remember fondly the night we will spend together, and indeed all of our past experiences. But most importantly, it would be extremely gratifying to give back to the nuns that dedicated their life to servitude and were there for us. We are products of our past, and they contributed dearly to us all. So, please understand...this is not about me, or guitars, or even us as a class, but in fact about the Sisters.
We truly look forward to this reunion and expect it to be special for all of us.
Thanks for everything.
The build that I have in mind happens to be a fairly close representation of
probably the most iconic electric guitar ever built. The Gibson Les
Paul has become the holy grail of electric guitars, with the '59 model
commanding figures pushing one million dollars. The picture you see
is of two guitars that a fellow Les Paul forum member built as his rendition of
the Les Paul guitar. The Menard build will have a front (or top)
more like the gold colored one on the right. The back and neck will
have a transparent emerald green color. Our guitar will bear serial
number 2, as #1 is going to my church. We will post pics as progress
is made. I will not go into much detail, but try to give you a
little idea of what the process is for those that may be
interested. If anyone is interested in more details, don't hesitate
to ask. The Les Paul was made with mahogany back and neck, with a maple top and either ebony or rosewood fret board. The Menard build will have Spanish cedar back and neck, with a lightly figured maple top and a rosewood fret board. It will be fitted with traditional humbucker pickups like the ones pictured and virtually identical trim and hardware. I will think of you guys every time I go to work on the guitar, and truly hope it does well for the Sisters.
Thanks.
