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Jim Henderson
 For a big part of my working life I've been a shearer where I got to know Pete Young (who worked alongside as a classer) as a good mate.
When I gave the shearing game away I set up a home handyman business, but because I've always been a bit of a 'wood virgin' I generally shied away from any carpentry-type jobs. Precision just wasn't my thing back then.
I've always been attracted to guitars, and have had a half-decent crack at playing a steel string for the last few years. Then in mid-2007 that Mr Young talked me into joining the maker's group to learn how to build one of my own - in Pete's words: "It's relaxing."
I've started on a Martin Dreadnought model with a Fender pickup, and with the help and knowledge of a few of the crew, especially Maurie, I reckon I'm making pretty good progress.
There's been no down-side to it at all ... and it amazes me that I can do woodwork this fine. At no stage have I felt deflated with my first attempt, and I can see this thing developing week by week. It's my 'Big De-Stresser' - it's the best thing to be doing, plus I know I'll get a reasonably good quality instrument at the end of it. I enjoy the interaction of working with a great bunch of makers; everyone shares a common like-mindedness, and they're always more than helpful.
What really got me going was one night when Pete brought in his new Dulcimer, and Maurie was stringing up yet another Steel String, and they both sat and played together: it was beautiful ... it was the purest of sounds.
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