Tommy Nunn
In the artistic community of Summit, in the coastal mountains in a big old store built over 100 years ago, I live with my adorable wife and 2 children, Richie and Hannah.
The store is listed as an historical resource and the town of Summit is a cultural resource peopled by craftsmen of all persuasions. It is located about 20 miles west of Corvallis.

I studied violin making with the late Willis Gault of Baltimore, Maryland. During that time, I made a violin and a viola d’amore which is an obsolete 14 string shoulder viol.
For a number of years I became distracted with a career in music performance, playing in many folk bands, one of which featured the Celtic harp. It was during that time that I first met and jammed with Dave Thormahlen, who plays mandolin. To this day, I still distract myself by playing in a Celtic band, The Mighty Warriors, and in my spare time make violins, guitars and bouzookis.

A few years ago Dave gave me a very special birthday present of all the wood and supplies to make a guitar. Then he showed me how to do it, which has sparked an interest in creating fretted instruments. Dave has acted for me as a “patron of the arts” by providing me with the tools and materials to pursue this fascinating new endeavor.

To work on a daily basis with a craftsman of Dave’s caliber has dramatically elevated my personal skills as a luthier. In my capacity as assistant to this “master harpmaker,” I find myself in the wonderful position of continuously expanding my awareness of wood and how to work with it. This job is not just a livelihood, it is a learning experience. What could possibly be more fulfilling.

Read about Rosiee or go on to the Levers page.