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Colfax Guitar Shop

 

Colfax Guitar Shop

Denver, CO

www.colfaxguitarshop.com/

 

Check out Scott in action as he builds a custom guitar for Mike Cooley of the Drive-By Truckers: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLUDnXEWvpw&feature=related

 

 

          

 

 

 

 
COMMENTS
Nmat said at 10:56 p.m. on Jan 8, 2009:
Totally fascinating ... had no idea there were so many tools, shapes, steps in bringing forth new and nursing old guitars. Is one of those yours?
Leftofcenter said at 11:11 p.m. on Jan 8, 2009:
JL, cry baby, Carlin, the baby boomers alumni workshop, the cool sk8er, gawd, yes, who would have thought it took so much intricate work to build a guitar. and we see some beauties there... will have to come back, because you really gave us the extensive tour, u must have been in guitar heaven! :)
Bo_bo_92 said at 11:18 p.m. on Jan 8, 2009:
How much fun and great insight! Love the beautiful chaos going on!
Pkeener said at 11:21 p.m. on Jan 8, 2009:
Leftie, Yes, I was drooling over all the guitars, and I was in photographer's heaven, for sure! It was such a gas to be a fly on the wall while the guys went about their business. What a challenge, though, the light was different in every square foot of the shop, forget about white balance! Parts and tools and guys and guitars were moving and changing constantly! I wanted to take an artistic approach, but I had to shoot like it was an atheletic event!

Nancy! I wish one of those were mine.
Umauma said at 11:23 p.m. on Jan 8, 2009:
What a great Tabblo Pam! Fantastic shots all!
Pkeener said at 11:26 p.m. on Jan 8, 2009:
Thank you, Bo. Beautiful chaos is spot on! But it was like the eye of the storm..quiet and orderly in their methodology.
AliDar said at 12:26 a.m. on Jan 9, 2009:
wow, I've not been in a guitar shop like that before. I was going to ask if they make them there as well, but your last bit answered that. ... I can't help it though, seeing guitars in bits, kinda pulls at the heart stings. They appear to be in good hands though. Excellently documented Pam!
Shector said at 3:40 a.m. on Jan 9, 2009:
ottime foto di un bellissimo mestiere.ciao
JuDeck said at 4:35 a.m. on Jan 9, 2009:
sweet! love that last shot
Charlespop said at 5:38 a.m. on Jan 9, 2009:
Way, way cool! Makes me want to dust off my old guitars that I have not used in years !
Wildthing said at 5:41 a.m. on Jan 9, 2009:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=0ITrQXES8kU. Magic tab, PK. Hope their guitars are gently smiling, not weeping. I know that you'll enjoy the George Harrison song. And that guy really does have a look of Bryan Adams:)
Hhwind said at 8:41 a.m. on Jan 9, 2009:
Wow thanks for the extended tour, a great tour, fantastic. I play the guitar too never thought alot of hard work goes to making one
Chaitiamma said at 9:16 a.m. on Jan 9, 2009:
Great coverage. Thanks for the tour.
Pkeener said at 9:40 a.m. on Jan 9, 2009:
Thank you! It was inspiring to be around all that artistic creativity, and watch the pieces of wood being transformed, and the broken guitars being put back together. I took so may photos that I had a hard time editing the shots for the Tabblo, and decided to break it down into two or three. This one, I hope gives the feel of everyday business in the shop.

Hey Charles! Dust those babies off!
Pkeener said at 9:42 a.m. on Jan 9, 2009:
Mike, thanks for the link. George was so great.
Lifequest22 said at 10:59 a.m. on Jan 9, 2009:
Pam--thanks for this incredibly delightful tour of the Guitar Man's shop. You caught it all. Each image tells a story. It's amazing how much talented work goes into creating a piece of magical, musical art. And it looks like Scott is teaching another generation the fine craftsmanship of Guitar making. That last shot is KILLER.
Lifequest22 said at 11:00 a.m. on Jan 9, 2009:
The old cash register-very cool. This is like a trip back in time when the world had REAL craftsman.
Pkeener said at 11:14 a.m. on Jan 9, 2009:
Linda, Scott is training them, and actually, his son, John, was brought up in the business of making guitars, and is now his partner in the shop. You can see him first in pic #16, but more clearly, in #21. I got that last shot by standing on my tip toes on a chair and holding my breath!

I picked up on that regitser right off the bat, and took a bunch of pics of it. It's so cute!
Bravemoonbearer said at 12:19 p.m. on Jan 9, 2009:
Such beautiful crisp photos.What a talent these people have and you have a talent and good balance to be able to capture these.Do you play the guitar? I love the T-Shirt with the message on the back.This makes me want to go to a shop to watch these craftsmen create such beautiful instruments.
AdSR said at 12:47 p.m. on Jan 9, 2009:
The precision of these guys' work never ceases to amaze me.
21-gramm said at 12:58 p.m. on Jan 9, 2009:
you affect my soul string, Pammie!

people and music!

great reportage!
Welshchick said at 1:58 p.m. on Jan 9, 2009:
Ooooooh I am drooling too...My dad gave his special old guitar to my son, Joel, and....gasp! it had a some wholes drilled into it for a special little hand rest he had fabricated...so eccentric and adorable...Guess which guitar Joel plays the most? (Holes and all) :^) Thank s for this treat Pam~~~~
Pkeener said at 2:29 p.m. on Jan 9, 2009:
Sandy, I have played guitar, but never got very good. The reason I popped in the shop was to look into buying one again, and I was always curious about what it would be like to get inside to do an essay. I was so excited abouit all the cool stuff I saw, the photographer in me quickly took over!
Flinkfar said at 4:31 p.m. on Jan 9, 2009:
Perfect workshop portrait, I smell the wood and glue - fascinating.
Chiloedream said at 4:41 p.m. on Jan 9, 2009:
Du travail d'orfèvre. Des artisans artistes. Bravo Pammie. NW53.
Lifequest22 said at 5:45 p.m. on Jan 9, 2009:
I see the Drive by Truckers' poster. And of course Dylan, Led Zepplin, George Carlin.... I see something new each time I visit here. Towanda!!!!!!!
Andre. said at 6:00 p.m. on Jan 9, 2009:
Very cool...And I have handmade acoustic at home. Lets play!
Pkeener said at 6:01 p.m. on Jan 9, 2009:
Linda, funny thing, I see something new every time I go back in. Nothing Static about it!

Of course you know the Dylan is gonna catch my eye...Thought of you when I shot the Carlin poster...coz of all the STUFF!

Thierry NW53!

Bertil, you would absolutely love it. Music and photography. A match made in heaven.
Pkeener said at 6:03 p.m. on Jan 9, 2009:
Andre, hey Pumpkin! bring that bad boy down!
Candlepower said at 6:48 p.m. on Jan 9, 2009:
Fantastic look into a real cool shop! Lucky people who get one of these hand made Guitars!
Moabjeeper said at 8:02 p.m. on Jan 9, 2009:
Great to see the inner workings.
Great photos.
Appropos said at 3:49 a.m. on Jan 10, 2009:
a great and interesting behind the scenes tour
Nina1960 said at 4:08 a.m. on Jan 10, 2009:
Wow..what a guitar tour...now I want to play guitar for myself...great pictures,Pam.
Bxrgirl27 said at 10:24 a.m. on Jan 10, 2009:
Genius at work here - both the photography and the guys in the shop! A true delight for the eyes!
Gerardfotografeert said at 4:37 p.m. on Jan 10, 2009:
Wow, this looks like the real skill, craft and passion for something real, something that comes to life at the time that there is someone played on, great work and art. excellent done Pam. a fav.
EMA said at 8:25 p.m. on Jan 10, 2009:
This is really nice. A great report on guitars and the process of making them. I would love to visit a place like that! :)
Great tabblo Pam!
Akeke said at 6:16 a.m. on Jan 11, 2009:
Marvellous ! Thanks for a very nice tour! :-) Åke
Waywardson said at 5:27 p.m. on Jan 11, 2009:
Wow, that was the most fun I've had at tabblo in quite awhile------The detailed, intricate workmanship and artistry involved is amazing.
Pkeener said at 9:38 p.m. on Jan 11, 2009:
Hey, Brian, thanks for the great feedback. It is pretty mind bending to watch what goes into making and repairing those instruments. They are artists, indeed.
Abking said at 11:32 p.m. on Jan 11, 2009:
Such a thorough tour, Pam-couldn't be better. Such a joy to see artisans at work and all that goes into a guitar.
Ira said at 11:36 p.m. on Jan 11, 2009:
Legendary art. Very interesting tabblo. Real skill of human hands! And I never saw this laborious and surprising process. Thank you very much!
MichelleMc said at 4:31 a.m. on Jan 12, 2009:
AWESOME! I love this! I play the guitar and this is so very cool to see!!!
HtD said at 12:32 p.m. on Jan 12, 2009:
This is a wonderful tabblo.

and then the gitar-music from Pepe and Angel Romero from Spain. "Rodrigo"
Debdog said at 8:12 p.m. on Jan 12, 2009:
and each one made with love i am sure!!!
Pkeener said at 2:02 p.m. on Jan 13, 2009:
I am so happy I could show take you all along for a fascinating tour. Technology will never replace what artisans can create and produce. I don't think there are many places like the Colfax Guitar Shop, and I am really thankful that I stumbled upon it.

Your comments and insights really are appreciated, guys!
Pkeener said at 2:04 p.m. on Jan 13, 2009:
Also, thanks again, to Scott, John, Christian, Matt, and Patrick
Gazelle said at 4:51 p.m. on Jan 13, 2009:
Un beau métier, quoi de plus plaisant qu'être constamment en contact avec la musique...Merci !!
Eduardo.affonso said at 6:07 p.m. on Jan 13, 2009:
What a great footage (see? I learned this word from you!). I would easily recognize these photos as yours. My favorites are # 68 & 69 (if I have counted well...).
Pkeener said at 6:32 p.m. on Jan 13, 2009:
Edu, Tudo bem? great to hear from you! I can't believe you counted that long. Or that I included that many shots.

Gazelle, Merci!
Daniela.arciprete said at 6:49 p.m. on Jan 13, 2009:
a so interesting tabloo to learn something about a job (or better an ART)I hope young people will not lose ... thanks
Noe said at 12:19 a.m. on Jan 14, 2009:
Wow...this place is amazing!! Excellent shots Pam... very cool! =)
Sirnicolay said at 5:02 a.m. on Jan 15, 2009:
Makes me want to hug my guitar and kiss it. Haha! Very cool, Pam. I want that John Lennon guitar! Haha! :)
PhotoPop said at 10:33 a.m. on Jan 16, 2009:
We are witness to the magic. Craftsmanship is not dead neither in the making of guitars or the recording of it. Excellent.
GeorgePL said at 1:56 p.m. on Jan 17, 2009:
I love the story. You really got the message across that they are artists and put a lot of time and care into their craft. Very well done.
Chilla said at 3:26 p.m. on Jan 18, 2009:
This is a really interesting tabblo on several levels. You managed to get the chaps to carry on working as if you were not there, the workshop itself is fascinating and of course the pictures are excellent.
WEIMAR said at 7:23 a.m. on Jan 25, 2009:
ohhh this is crowded, the first and last one are very good.....an I like some Details.
Pkeener said at 9:49 a.m. on Jan 25, 2009:
Thanks again, Weimar, yes it is very crowded. But so interesting to photograph and observe them in action.
Celia, that was my objective. To be very much like a fly on the wall. They were so focused on their work and I didn't want to disturb the concentration. Thank you George, and John, it so satisfying to record another artist at work. Daniel, Scott has an apprentice program for that very reason. Noe, I would love to see your take on this place.
JeffS said at 3:32 p.m. on Apr 18, 2009:
Ah yes, I see the Justin Townes Earle inlay. I will look for it when I see him on May 13 (Johnny D's). There's a great JTE live session at http://www.hearya.com/live-sessions/. Note the DBT and Lucero references there, as well as some great songs from Justin.

I'm seeing his dad on May 29 at Berklee in Boston. Steve's new album is a set of Townes Van Zandt covers and I Can't Hardly Wait for that one, either.
Pkeener said at 4:44 p.m. on Apr 18, 2009:
Thanks, Jeff. So cool of you to put up the link and support music and musicians. And love the sharing of common interests on our tabblos.
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