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Acoustical Wizards of Winters - Arc Guitar
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Artisans abound in our area.
Some use oils while others sculpt metals or weave natural fibers.
In a small gallery, off Winters' Railroad Avenue, the medium of choice, at Arc Guitar, includes epoxy, precious woods and guitar strings.
Restoring musicality to damaged stringed instruments such as guitars, lutes and even violas and ukuleles is the mission of Arc's owner Al Calderone and his apprentice James Meloy.
Housed in a historic 103 year old building, the shop's exposed brick provides a perfect accompaniment to bits of Indian rose wood, Sitka cut spruce and other woods used to repair dozens of abused, and overused, instruments which lie around in various stages of completion.
The son of a jazz drummer, the Jersey - born Caledrone was taught as a child to "hear the sound". While a youngster the guitar caught his attention and has held it ever since.
During the last decade his talents expanded to include building new guitars and fixing hurt ones.
Both Calderone and Meloy, a former boat builder, work in a relaxed tandem rhythm among a diversity of tools like a drill press or large vertical sander. Phrases such as "it might be a shim causing that buzz" punctuate the air as strings are tweaked, tightened and strummed back in tune.
It is evident they enjoy the restoration process - even the challenging ones.
Once a wife, angered over her husband's drinking, smashed his prized guitar into splinters. Delivered in a box it was painstakingly pieced back together. Although scars remained, the re glued instrument was returned stronger than its previously unbroken condition.
"I like giving hope where it seemed impossible," admits Calderone who also serves as a local minister.
Aside from restoration, Arc Guitar builds new guitars. Redwood, coco bolo rosewood and flamed maple are just a few of the requested woods available.
Hearing a newly strung guitar plunked for the first time is similar to hearing a baby's first cry proclaims Caledrone.
Lessons in both guitar playing and restoration are available at Arc, in addition to the ability to witness centuries-old fine craftsmanship practiced first-hand.
Feel free to wander into Arc Guitar when next in Winters. The guys are friendly, even when busy, and the sound of music resonates.
Interested in other Yolo County doings?
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