First in a series on Creativity in the DNA of Off The Wall
Randy's interest in creating stringed instruments began with music itself. His father's side gig was as a country-western singer; by the time he was 12, Randy could play the guitar. And he had picked up an interest in woodworking, which his father also, as a tinkerer, instilled in him.
By age 27 Randy was working at Off The Wall in the art department as a screen-printer and digital artist. On the side, he had developed a desire to play the mandolin. But mandolins are expensive.
With so much machinery at its disposal, Off The Wall has always encouraged its craftspeople to develop skills beyond what they were hired to do. Randy's secret power became woodworking, building on the basics he had picked up at home.
After making his first mandolin, Randy continued building all types of stringed instruments. On a bet, he even made a violin once, which is the most complicated stringed instrument to make. Eventually, Randy was promoted to CNC Programmer, and this, along with OTW fabrication experience and access to tools, really helped him with his craft.
Working at Off The Wall also helped Randy access materials. Early on, he was surprised by the variety of exotic scrap wood shippers used to make pallets and containers. A stop by the dumpsters on his way home became routine.
These are the eight basic steps to making a stringed instrument.
Design and draw the prototype
program the cutlist parts
cnc and milling of parts – fit all parts
fabrication of body of instrument
apply finish to instrument whether it be varnish, urethane, lacquer or painted
dressing the instrument with finished parts, tuners, pickups, etc
attach strings
enjoy!!!!!
The correct term for someone who makes stringed instruments is luthier. To date, Randy has made 12 electric guitars, a mandolin, and his prized violin. He has been with Off The Wall for over two decades, and along with many of the very creative people working there, his skills are reflected in much of the millwork and decor produced by Off The Wall.
