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
Jan. 28, '17
P.S. Feb. 27. When it rains it pours- got out of the hospital on Friday after about 3 weeks. Had emergency quadruple bypass heart surgery. Although very sore, am doing well. Again, may all of you, my friends, have safe trips and great sales!
Archie
Comments
Hello Archie, I don't know you and have never met you and that is my loss for sure. What beautiful works! I wish thee were someway I could help. My husband and I have been doing shows for 30 years and we're getting to the end of our show time as well. Stay well, positive thoughts are coming your way.
Hello Archie...It saddens me to heat of your predicaments because you are one heck of a master craftsman and even more heckerer of a good person. I hope everything turns out for the best and I wish you and your wife the very best.
Archie, If their is anything that Lu and I can do to help you in any way, Please let us know.
Lu and Wallace Fuller,
Archie - I don't know how you do it. All that going on in your life, and your good attitude just comes thru. Plus you are obviously very strong! My back has just started to need shots and I grumble everyday. Good luck to you and your wife. May God continue to give you the strength you need.
OMG, Archie! I was worried about what had happened to you since your contact with me about a month ago, so I went ahead and published your email. Now I see what happened. How in the worlds are you getting along? How is your wife doing?