Feature Article January 29, 2003
LAND O' LAKES NewsWeb HomeFrom start to finish: A labour of Loveby Meghan BaloghWhat do you see when you look at a block of wood? Some see nothing out of the ordinary. But for Bob Miller, a mere block of wood has the potential to become a piece of art something not only pleasing to the eyes, but also to the ears. Mr. Miller, who lives in a log home on the Tryon Road south of Sharbot Lake, first became interested in the guitar when he was a young boy, by listening to the music at the time. When he was eight years old, he began to teach himself how to play. If you know Bob, then you most likely have heard him play the guitar. But not only does he play, he also builds. In 1976after months of labourhe built his first guitar, and has been creating musical masterpieces ever since. However, the learning process for this skill was not as predictable as one might think. I read, and I built, says Bob. I did pick up some tips from some friends of mine too, but I certainly knew guitars because I had been playing for so long and I knew what I wanted in terms of sound. Rather than spending money on training or apprenticing with another instrument builder, Mr. Miller decided he would invest in tools and wood. It took about 2 years before I got to the point that I said I would play what I built. (At that time) I had a couple of Martin guitars I ended up selling those, and from then on I played mine. From the guitar, Bob branched out and began to build other instruments as well. In 1981 he built his first dulcimer, and not long after came a mandolin. The venturing of these instruments were partly inspired by Mr. Millers performing career. If I wanted something, I ended up building it, he shared. Before he was married, he performed at universities, festivals, and clubs in Toronto, New York, and various other places. These events not only demonstrated Bob's playing abilities; they also promoted his work. In terms of selling instruments, it was through my performing people saw me playing it, and then theyd want one, he says. To many people, guitar-building sounds methodical and conventional. Not so. Mr. Miller shared, Theres no one way to build. I learned one way, but Ive adapted different things over the years, and I dont know very many people who build the same way. How one maker gets the sound that theyre looking for could be different than the way another guy does it. One fascinating aspect of a Miller guitar is the rosette around the guitars sound hole. Here he inlays tiny sections of mother-of-pearl, abalone, and different types of wood to create an intricate pattern. On the peg-head he puts an inlayed figure, which he first designs on paper. Hours go into these complex patterns, and overall one guitar takes an average of 100 hours to complete. Bob plays regularly in services at St. James Catholic Church in Sharbot Lake, and at many events throughout the Frontenacs, performing at weddings, church dinners, concerts, and Christmas gatherings. Among the pieces that he performs are several of his own worksincluding Tickling the Dog, Teasing the Strings, and Nancys Waltz written for his wife. Mr. Miller has been a strong part of the community through his music, and I believe he has made a difference in the lives of others through his abilities. His appreciation for this area is evident in the words of one of his songs:
I can hear the music playing
cross the waters and the hills
And Im bound for Land O Lakes cause thats my home
Thats my home.
From
start to finish: A block of curly maple wood, with an almost-completed
mandolin sitting in front of it what the block will soon become.
Mr. Miller surrounded by his works of art.
