I am both saddened and shocked to hear the news about Tom. Although I didn’t speak with Tom on a regular basis, I considered him a friend as we had many conversations at shows. I remember having a deep conversation with him about the glamours (tongue in cheek) of being a guitar maker. As it has been said his work was impeccable and I remember being a little jealous of how great of a builder he was. Once I met him that jealousy quickly became admiration and respect. He truly was an inspiration to me and so many others.
Jim,
Thank you for sharing some of your story about Tommy. Like Tom my first (and only) customer was my older brother. When my brother died, I talked with his son about what we should do with the two guitars that I made for him. My nephew doesn’t play guitar but wanted to keep them perhaps to pass down to his kids at some point. Please find some solace in that Tom deeply touched so many people. He will be missed.
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