Sully's wood

[ErnieM]

Hi all,

A month or so ago, Sandy and I decided that it was time for our eldest grand-daughter to get a real harpsichord for her sixth birthday. So we took a brief ride to Bath, NC and met with Jay Sullivan (Sully) and his dad, Gary, at Gary's farm to buy some poplar. Had I known what a treat we were in for, I would have brought a camera with me. Gary's farm is like a museum filled with old everything - all meticulously arranged and displayed. Old tools, gas station signs, parking meters, things I've never seen or heard of before, workbenches, vices, chisels, etc., etc,. etc. The grand tour included a walk through Gary's home which he built by himself - and I mean by himself. And the wood! Racks and racks of wood - mostly air dried and beautiful. So we loaded the mini-van up with poplar and headed home to start building. Next time I visit the farm, I'll be sure to take some photos. Until then, these will have to do. Everything you see here was made from Sully's wood - except for the walnut keytops.

Sully and Gary - thanks for the hospitality and a great afternoon.

Ernie

View image in gallery​

View image in gallery​

 

[eyekode]

Thanks for the pictures. I am always impressed with your harpsichords. So much detail! Nice turnings on the legs too.
Salem

 

[red]

I like what you have done so far. Can't wait for the finished pics!

Red

 

[Sully]

Ernie,

Thanks for the kind words. The pleasure was all ours. Feel free to visit again, if just to look around some more and enjoy the scenery and nick-nacks in the "museum".

And that's a nice looking instrument you are making!
Jay

 

[sawman101]

What a wonderful instrument for your granddaughter! Superb woodworking and design, makes this a unique and prized heirloom. Thanks for sharing.:eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap

 

[Bill Clemmons]

As always Ernie, your harpsichords are remarkable. And what a nice tribute to Sully, his wood, and his Dad. :icon_thum

But I do have one question: do you clean your shop before you take each picture? I think you might give Bobbyg a run for the "cleanest shop" title. :wwink:

Bill

 

[ErnieM]

But I do have one question: do you clean your shop before you take each picture? I think you might give Bobbyg a run for the "cleanest shop" title. :wwink:

Bill

Actually, I don't. I'm just not mentally comfortable working in a messy shop. The more detailed the work is, the less I can tolerate disorder. Since I'm not the neatest worker on the planet, I have to clean the shop daily in order to keep what's left of my sanity. What did you expect from a harpsichord builder - normalcy?:gar-Bi

Ernie

 

[jhreed]

Ernie, Bath is a beautiful town. So much character and charm. I thought Sully lived in Washington.

And, yes Ernie's studio is immaculate. When I went, I carried a camera, but was so overwhelmed with it and how nice Ernie and his wife were, I forgot to take any pictures.

James

 

[ErnieM]

Ernie, Bath is a beautiful town. So much character and charm. I thought Sully lived in Washington.

And, yes Ernie's studio is immaculate. When I went, I carried a camera, but was so overwhelmed with it and how nice Ernie and his wife were, I forgot to take any pictures.

James

James,

Sully does live in Washington but his dad's farm is in Bath which is only 10 minutes east.
We certainly did enjoy your visit.

Ernie

 

[Sully]

Yes, I currently live in Washington. But have plans to move out to Bath soon. The farm in Bath is where most of the wood is located although there's also quite a stash in my shop in Washington.

And build my dream shop!:wsmile: