I'm in Portland this week learning how to build solid body guitars from less than scratch.
I'll have next Sunday and Monday to do stuff in the area.
Any recommendations?
Probably not the response you're looking for, but I have to ask: how exactly does one build from "less than scratch"?
Sounds like magic to me!
Seriously, though, what kind of solid(s) are you going to build?
Quote from: ahiddentableau on April 26, 2018, 06:24:49 AM
Probably not the response you're looking for, but I have to ask: how exactly does one build from "less than scratch"?
Sounds like magic to me!
Seriously, though, what kind of solid(s) are you going to build?
It starts by growing the trees!
But first one must collect the seeds.
Which of course necessitates growing trees....
Recursive errors are fun.
Have a car? What kind of stuff are you interested in? With just a limited amount of time, Im sure the essentials can be covered. It's just Portland;)
Stay away from tourist traps like voodoo and salt and straw. We have great food that is not particularly hard to find. There are a ton of effect pedal companies, although I assume you can't just drop by, but cool to know! Old town music and centaur guitar are fun, as well as a few other good shops.
We have OMSI, crap tons of scenic stuff, the second largest bronze statue in the country. I can go on and on. More details and we can tailor this.
Crash Zigcat's pad with a bagful of DIY pedals? ;) :o 8)
Find the dude from stomptown Electronics and trick him into selling boards again.
Is there some kinda workshop there or something?
COFFEE!!! From what I understand, Portland has some of the best roasters in the country so go get yourself some hipster boutique coffee.
EDIT: Who are you taking the class with?
Multnomah Falls! Super touristy but totally worth is. Weird being in a rain forest at the bottom and then among dryish landscape and huge sequoia trees at the top. Fun town to walk around at night. Lots of music and weirdness to get into.
Quote from: trailer on April 26, 2018, 02:03:45 PM
Multnomah Falls! Super touristy but totally worth is.
+1 on this one. In fact, that entire area around Multnomah falls has several waterfalls to check out. There's also a great lookout of the Columbia River area at the Vista House.
Quote from: lars on April 26, 2018, 02:17:51 PM
Quote from: trailer on April 26, 2018, 02:03:45 PM
Multnomah Falls! Super touristy but totally worth is.
+1 on this one. In fact, that entire area around Multnomah falls has several waterfalls to check out. There's also a great lookout of the Columbia River area at the Vista House.
Multnomah only reopened recently (March?) after the fires. I haven't been since, but the view might not be as green as it once was. But waterfalls in general are a great idea—there are plenty of them to choose from! If you are able to travel a little farther south, I'd recommend Silver Falls as well.
Also, coffee and beer! Be sure to eat at Deschutes Brewery at least once.
Quote from: alanp on April 26, 2018, 06:31:41 AM
Crash Zigcat's pad with a bagful of DIY pedals? ;) :o 8)
Haha.
Visit Powell's Books. Its high reputation doesn't prepare you for how good it is.
I would avoid the super-trendy donut shop (Voodoo?), if only because I was sitting in the park and saw a guy next to me taking a selfie with his donut before eating it. There's probably something equally tasty that's not overhyped.
Quote from: reddesert on April 26, 2018, 07:48:02 PM
I would avoid the super-trendy donut shop (Voodoo?), if only because I was sitting in the park and saw a guy next to me taking a selfie with his donut before eating it. There's probably something equally tasty that's not overhyped.
Blue Star donuts are much less trendy and overhyped, but exponentially more delicious (and expensive).
There is so much stuff to do here I doubt you will have trouble finding stuff to do. We have some really good food and beer spots. Nongs, Pok Pok, Screen Door, Tasty and Alder to name a few. Forest Park is fun to walk around in if its nice outside. 23rd is a tourist strip and has some interesting shops. +1 on Powell's and there is a Blue Start donuts nearby! I think the Multnomah Whiskey library is right there too.
There was another thread here about a fun electronic bits supply store called SurplusGizmos.
http://www.surplusgizmos.com/
You can come hang out with me. I'm only a half hour away. I'll warn your though, I'm no fun. Haha.
Coffee, food, and beer! Almost everywhere we ate was good.
When my wife and I visited Portland a few years back we walked by voodoo without knowing it and saw it had a stupid long line. Like 3 blocks. Then we saw what people got and eh, didn't look that great.
The Japanese style garden there is pretty cool too. It's right next to the rose test gardens. Great place if you need to chill out. I don't think it's free though.
Also plus one on Powell's. No joke take some books and sell them there for store credit, they actually buy at decent rates (at least better than around here).
Quote from: jubal81 on April 26, 2018, 09:01:13 PM
There was another thread here about a fun electronic bits supply store called SurplusGizmos.
http://www.surplusgizmos.com/
I was going to recommend this. If your interested in Germanium diodes and transistors you'll have to ask to see them since they are kept behind the counter. I would also avoid voodoo doughnuts. If you want the experience go to the bakery at the grocery store, buy a doughnut, and dump some captain crunch on top. Or a strip of bacon...
Quote from: Matmosphere on April 26, 2018, 10:56:17 AM
Find the dude from stomptown Electronics and trick him into selling boards again.
If only I could find the time and motivation. :)
Can say I had one of the top 5 meals of my life in Portland at Fogo de Chão Brazilian steakhouse.
Now that I looked it up, I'm going to be daydreaming about it for days...
I can vouch for Powell's books, hanging out with Leevibe, and the Japanese garden. The garden Portland is really beautiful, and we also had lunch and tea at the teahouse there.
The zoo was fun, but you live near DC now, so every other zoo is really kinda second fiddle.
Quote from: midwayfair on April 27, 2018, 04:30:47 AM
I can vouch for Powell's books, hanging out with Leevibe, and the Japanese garden. The garden Portland is really beautiful, and we also had lunch and tea at the teahouse there.
The zoo was fun, but you live near DC now, so every other zoo is really kinda second fiddle.
I seem to remember you grabbing a cup of tea at Multnomah Falls too. That was a nice little spin.
Ah, and on a guitar-related note, you need to visit: Centaur Guitar, 2833 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97232. Great shop.
Multnomah Falls and the book store both sound interesting.
I'm taking the workshop offered by MIchael Fox.
http://www.americanschooloflutherie.com/
I'm in the Electric Guitar and Bass class.
From less than scratch is essentially from before the design. We start with a blank piece of paper. Design our guitar, then start making it from piles of raw material and a bag of shit from All Parts.
Also, we haven't had a day of work less than 11 hours so far. Tomorrow is the last day.
My guitar has already taken the blood of three men.
Sounds like a cool class. We're gonna need some pics when it's all done :)
I didn't know you moved to DC. What part of town are you in?
I go once a year for biz and drink beer and eat downtown somewhere but then I'm a sucker for craft beer and high calorie food when I'm traveling. Come to think of it I do that in every city I go too :P
Quote from: icecycle66 on April 28, 2018, 06:46:02 AM
Also, we haven't had a day of work less than 11 hours so far. Tomorrow is the last day.
My guitar has already taken the blood of three men.
We better see the final result posted here!