Northfield Posted October 18 Posted October 18 My friends, I know it’s been quite a while since I’ve posted here or shared any new builds, and I wanted to take a moment to explain why. Due to ongoing health issues, I’ve had to step back from guitar building for the time being. It was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make in my life. In my early teens, after picking up a chisel to make a guitar for myself and shavings started to fly, I knew immediately "this was for me". It became my passion, and that’s why it’s been such a difficult decision, building guitars has been something I’ve genuinely loved doing and sharing with all of you. I realize the long silence may have left some people wondering what happened, so I wanted to put something out there rather than leave people guessing. The truth is simply that my health has had to take priority, and guitar building has had to take a back seat. I’m not sure what the future holds or when I’ll be able to return to building. For now, I’m taking things one day at a time and focusing on what I need to. I would like to say special thanks to all of my HFC friends who followed and supported my work at Hamer. Your dedication, encouragement, and enthusiasm were so inspiring, Shishkov Guitars was born. I really enjoyed working very closely with each and every one of you, creating a truly unique instrument and I am grateful for the many friendships that have developed. Perhaps in my small special way I was able to keep the “Dream” alive, if only for a few years. To me this is priceless and will forever have a special place in my heart! So for now, I need to take a break, take care of my health, recharge, and get back into it… Thank you for understanding. 🎸 20 2 Quote
specialk Posted October 19 Posted October 19 Best of luck to you, sir. Take care of yourself first! 6 Quote
cmatthes Posted October 19 Posted October 19 Mike - you have brought SO MUCH joy and energy to this little corner of the Internet and those of us fortunate enough to have landed here and been part of this community over the last 28 years. Your talent is a rare gift, but we all know that YOU are the real engine and vision behind the art you’ve created, and we all appreciate this. As you and I have discussed often, we only get one life and have to make the most of our time and try our best to make things a little bit brighter for others. You’ve done that, and continue to do that - we’re here for you and hope that even a slight reduction in stress will make a difference with things. Hang in there, and know you have more people who truly care about you out here! 18 1 Quote
veatch Posted October 19 Posted October 19 ^-- This. Mike, you've certainly made my life brighter. You are absolutely blessed with a gift. I hope your health improves. That is far more important than anything else. You and Trish are good people! 10 Quote
ArnieZ Posted October 19 Posted October 19 MIke, You know how I feel. I hope you'll be able to return to what you love, if not you have left a mark in the guitar players world arniez 8 Quote
hamerhead Posted October 19 Posted October 19 Mike, I am proud, honored and grateful to able call one of your works my own. It is truly a highlight of my musical journey. While I can never thank you enough, I can send thoughts, prayers, mojo, juju and every other kind of positive energy your way, and hope you understand the amount of love and respect you have garnered from this community. Let us know if you need anything. 9 Quote
django49 Posted October 20 Posted October 20 Mike: Take care of yourself. And know that you have brightened the path of so many of us. I hope that knowledge brightens your own path equally. Best wishes to your whole family. 5 Quote
BubbaVO Posted October 21 Posted October 21 Can’t thank you enough for the guitars you made for me. Hoping you get well soon. 9 Quote
cornjulio Posted October 21 Posted October 21 Mike, I am sorry to read this and I hope your health will improve rapidly. It's a pleasure to know you and your wonderful family. I'm glad I made the trip up to the Shishkov headquarters a couple of times, get to talk to you in person, check out guitars and wood samples. Still love my Shishkov V. All the best for you! 7 Quote
Jakeboy Posted October 23 Posted October 23 Mike, We have already discussed this and you know I will continue to pray for you. I treasure 0006 and the friendship we enjoy. @cmatthes, perfectly well said, Chris. 6 Quote
scottcald Posted Saturday at 07:09 PM Posted Saturday at 07:09 PM Always sorry to hear of someone like you who is so gifted and skilled not being able to put their art into the world. I hope you can recover and as quickly as possible and get back to it. 4 Quote
BoogieMKIIA Posted Saturday at 07:34 PM Posted Saturday at 07:34 PM Hoping for healing and a good outcome for you 5 Quote
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