TEDxSantaCruz: Jeff Traugott (w/ William Coulter) - Living to Live \līv\

While studying music and getting his BA at Evergreen State College, WA, Jeff became fascinated with the art of luthiery. During a one-year apprenticeship in Santa Cruz, he knew he was hooked, and decided to pursue of career in guitar repair and construction. In a nine-year period, Jeff cofounded a local music store, did guitar repair, and worked for a local guitar company; this gave him the foundation to open Jeff Traugott Guitars in 1991.

Jeff's work has given him the opportunity to become part of a larger community of musicians and instrument makers worldwide. His customers span the globe from Egypt and Romania to Indonesia and Japan. He loves the idea that at any given moment one of his guitars is being played on stage at a jazz club in Tokyo or is part of a father daughter duet in a living room in Arizona.

This TEDxSantaCruz talk is part of over 2 dozen surrounding our theme of "Engage!" This inaugural TEDxSantaCruz event was held June 11, 2011 at the Cabrillo College Music Recital Hall in Aptos, CA (Santa Cruz County). http://www.tedxsantacruz.org/

TEDx. x=independently organized TED event.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

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[Thumbshifter]

They are fantastic. I've played a couple and they're beautiful - and sound great. And they're made by someone who couldn't be more passionate about his craft.

[Zi Pan]

Jeff's guitars should be the very best they start at $26,500...

[sobellfanatic]

Jeff's guitars are unbelievable; the very best out there.

[Michael Watts]

A beautiful and touching insight into the the luthier's world. You, Jeff, are a total hero!

[Ted Dobson]

I had the privilege of playing one of your instruments from Mike Joyce's Luthier's Collection in San Diego and I was overwhelmed by that astounding instrument! Congratulations on your remarkable work. You are truly a great artist.

Also, could you tell me the name of the piece that William Coulter played? It was extraordinary.