I was an Orthopaedic surgeon for over 28 years and retired in 2004.  I have played guitar and banjo since college in the early 60’s and have been in several bands.  Mostly acoustic roots type music and original stuff but lately I have gotten hooked on 30’s and 40’s swing music and love it. 

I started building in 1998 with Martin kits.  One of my kids built three kits and he got me going.  I did several kits as well and then in 2003 took the Charles Fox course in Portland.  I can’t say enough good things about that experience.  A great teacher and  a great learning experience.   I started building from scratch after that.

The similarities between lutherie and orthopaedic surgery amaze me.  The problem solving, planning, attention to detail, and creativity when something goes wrong are nearly identical. 

Guitar building has been more than a good substitute for the operating room.   One thing I do miss however is not having a nurse to set up the room, hand  me my tools, and of course clean up my mess afterwards!   My wife actually is a nurse but for some strange reason she’s not interested in the job.

Thanks a million for taking the time to look at my website and my best wishes for success in your musical endeavors. 

Terence Kennedy

Alexandria MN