Tag Archives: Flynn¸ James

James Flynn

The Balalaika and Domra Association of America

Fifteen-year member Jim Flynn is a past author and an active member of the Balalaika and Domra Association of America. He is an Honorary Life member of the International Wood Collectors Society (IWCS). As an Associate Editor of that Society for many years he has edited and published several well accepted books in the “Useful Woods of the World” series. He is in the process of preparing a paper, long in the making, titled “Exploring the Science of the Sound of Wood.” Jim promises some provocative views on the role of wood in the quality of stringed instrument sound.

▪ bio current as of 2008

Building the Prima Gusli

1991
AL#27 p.26   BRB3 p.100            read this article
James Flynn                                                                                           

▪ This instrument is a unique and graceful-looking Russian folk psaltery, a sophisticated version of the lap harp grade schoolers play by sliding numbered sheet music under the strings.

A Survey of Seventeen Luthiers

1990
   LT p.114            
Steve Andersen   Chris Brandt   R.E. Brune   Ted Davis   Jeffrey R. Elliott   James Flynn   Bob Gleason   Hideo Kamimoto   Robert Lundberg   Frederick C. Lyman Jr.   John Monteleone   Robert Ruck   Richard Schneider   Ervin Somogyi   Al Stancel   Robert Steinegger   Janet Toon                           

▪ Seventeen established luthiers were asked to list ten hand tools, five power tools, and five supplies used as tools. This info was used to determine the most essential tools, including specifics, model and size, source, and any special uses.

GAL Instrument Plan #25: The “Moskvichka” Concert Balalaika; An Instrument Plan

1989
AL#17 p.30   BRB2 p.193            
M.A. Kupfer   James Flynn   John Morgan                                                                                   

▪ A full-scale instrument plan. See the GAL website for a low-rez preview.

Back in the BDAA (Balalaika and Domra Association of America)

1989
AL#17 p.37               
James Flynn                                                                                           

▪ Perhaps we shouldn’t be amazed by the seemingly large interest in various ethnic instruments and the music they produce. It seems that it’s easier to change countries than it is to change music. This organization publishes a quarterly newsletter, holds conventions, and offers scholarships to young musicians.

An Interview with Yuri Aleksik

1989
AL#17 p.38   BRB2 p.183            
James Flynn   Yuri Aleksik                                                                                       

▪ Aleksik is a master prima balalaika player from Kiev. Flynn asks him about instruments in this short interview.

Meet the Maker: M.A. Kupfer

1989
AL#17 p.28   BRB2 p.178            
James Flynn   M.A. Kupfer                                                                                       

▪ It turns out that life for a Russian instrument maker isn’t far different than for an American luthier. Long hours, difficult conditions, and small financial rewards. The turf may be different, but the job remains the same.

Building the Prima Balalaika

1989
AL#17 p.29   BRB2 p.190            
James Flynn                                                                                           

▪ Plans and instruction for an instrument designed by Kupfer, with 11 photos. The plan is a reduced version of GAL full-scale Plan #25. Kupfer is a famous luthier in Russia.

Review: A Catalogue of Pre-Revival Appalachian Dulcimers by L. Allen Smith

1986
AL#7 p.60   BRB1 p.497            read this article
James Flynn                                                                                           

▪ The reviewer doubts the book’s conclusions and finds it of no value to the serious luthier. He states, however, that dulcimer enthusiasts may find it interesting.