Any builders/aspiring builders/luthiers in Minnesota?

[Pa&Bud]

Hello all!

Been lurking this site for quite some time - and finally trekking down the road of physically producing mandolin number 1. I will be building this first one with my father and some limited guidance from a builder who is half a country away. I'm doing the best I can to learn by soaking up forum posts and reading various books/resources, but I'm hoping to make some friendships via the forum and maybe even in person in the Minnesota area.

Are there any people in the Twin Cities area that build or get together or would love to just show off their work etc? I don't have much to offer in reciprocation other than a genuine interest, enthusiasm, and curiosity.

I look forward to getting to know more of you as I dig further into the forum and this project.

Brian

[Br1ck]

There are a few build videos on You Tube. Audy Ratliff has a very fancy build, and Jerry Rosa has one or two, and I know I've seen others.

[BBarton]

Lloyd LaPlant -- well-known mandolin and guitar maker in Minnesota. He's not in Twin Cities, but north in Grand Rapids.

[Pa&Bud]

Thanks for the replies. I did stumble across a Facebook page made for Lloyd by one of his family members - but wasn't sure how open he is to people reaching out to him. Do you have any idea if there is an accepted manner to contact him or if he is open to Cafe members reaching out? I'm not expecting him to take me under his wing or anything - just looking to start to build some contacts and get to know people as I embark on this journey - both online and in-person if possible.

[ajh]

Lloyd is a very approachable individual. Also check out Tom Jessen of Cricket Fiddle in Madelia.
Steve Rossow is one of the instructors at the luthier school in Red Wing....he doesn't build mando's anymore but would be a good reference for you. Jed Germond builds....is in Minneapolis.

[MandoMN18]

I agree with ajh. Lloyd is a very approachable and wonderful person and so is Steve Rossow. I don’t know Cricket Fiddle so I can’t comment on that.

[sliebers]

I'm in Farmington. If you are going to the MBOTMA festival, I'd be more than happy to talk shop with you. PM me and I can get you my contacts.

Scott

[Pa&Bud]

This is legitimately the first time I've ever joined a forum - and I've either hit the goldmine of forums or I should have been participating in forums years ago. I know this is entering broken record territory, but seriously, thank you for all the responses. This is amazing! I really appreciate it. Sending out some PMs now to get a little more detail from the responses.

[Homer Savard]

I sent you a PM with Lloyd LaPlants phone number.
Worth the trip!
Send my greetings
Homer Savard

[Pa&Bud]

Thanks for the recommendations - I will check these out.