By NICOLE VALICEK
DAVID Wagstaff has hand crafted musical instruments for more than a decade, but it only took one onlooker to notice his skill before he was sharing his gift.
David is a member of the Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed, and has run musical instrument making workshops for nearly a year.
The retired engineer said woodwork had always been a hobby, and the progression to making music instruments came natural to him.
David has made 18 instruments, including the pickin’ stick and the appalachian dulcimer, both from the string family.
He is currently making an electric bass guitar for his son’s 40th birthday and he use to play the guitar, himself.
The classes are held every Friday at the Men’s Shed in Queen St, Altona, and anyone is welcome.
“The people doing the class have never mad e a musical instrument before,” he said.
“It’s just a matter of taking your time and listening well,” he said.
David said he got a lot of satisfaction out of teaching his skills to others.
“Like most people that teach, there’s a lot of satisfaction from students that become very successful, because they’re listening and have a very good interest in what they’re doing.”
Davis said all of the instruments were made out of an “exotic” timber, and with practice each instrument could be better than the last.
“You never stop learning. Every one I make, is always better than the previous one. It’s an ongoing learning exercise.”
He said it was also nice to see the members of the Men’s Shed, who are mostly over 60, try something different at this stage in life.
“The Men’s Shed is about health for its members, depression can set in when you retire. That’s what we promote getting people interested.”
For more information, contact the Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed on 9398 2383.
