Joe's Bio...
For over 40 years woodworking has been my form of expression and my escape. I have built an array of projects so vast that I can't begin to recall each of them. I have designed and built custom cabinetry and furniture, on a part-time professional basis. I have also rebuilt the 120 year old farmhouse where I reside.
In 1995 I started researching the art of lutherie, an interest I've had since about 1975. By February 1998 I was tooled up and started building and repairing stringed instruments. I have built several types of stringed instruments however, my primary focus are steel stringed acoustic guitars.
I thought I had worked with just about every type of raw material possible, then I was introduced to the art of pipe-making. Soon after my first encounter with briar I knew this was what I had to do. My passion for pipe making was confirmed after attending the 2006 Chicago pipe show. I was simply blown away by the craftsmanship, camaraderie and overall atmosphere there. I have since made many pipes and have enjoyed the challenges and rewards of being a pipe maker.
With these experiences behind me, I decided in January 2009 to pursue a full-time career in pipe making and lutherie. I look forward to providing the pipe smoking community with high grade, handmade pipes, for years to come. I also look forward to building, as well as repairing, stringed instruments for musicians around the globe.
I reside in Fond du Lac County, WI, in the same old farmhouse with my wife of 34 years, Sue. We have been blessed with 3 daughters Sarah, Amy and Amanda, 3 son-in-laws Troy, Scott and Adam and 9 grandchildren Sierra, John, Noah, Sam, Joshua, Madelyn, Connor, Alaina and Henry so far.
In 1995 I started researching the art of lutherie, an interest I've had since about 1975. By February 1998 I was tooled up and started building and repairing stringed instruments. I have built several types of stringed instruments however, my primary focus are steel stringed acoustic guitars.
I thought I had worked with just about every type of raw material possible, then I was introduced to the art of pipe-making. Soon after my first encounter with briar I knew this was what I had to do. My passion for pipe making was confirmed after attending the 2006 Chicago pipe show. I was simply blown away by the craftsmanship, camaraderie and overall atmosphere there. I have since made many pipes and have enjoyed the challenges and rewards of being a pipe maker.
With these experiences behind me, I decided in January 2009 to pursue a full-time career in pipe making and lutherie. I look forward to providing the pipe smoking community with high grade, handmade pipes, for years to come. I also look forward to building, as well as repairing, stringed instruments for musicians around the globe.
I reside in Fond du Lac County, WI, in the same old farmhouse with my wife of 34 years, Sue. We have been blessed with 3 daughters Sarah, Amy and Amanda, 3 son-in-laws Troy, Scott and Adam and 9 grandchildren Sierra, John, Noah, Sam, Joshua, Madelyn, Connor, Alaina and Henry so far.
Old Nellie Pipes is a division of Old Nellie Pipes, Nelson Guitars LLC. This website and all of its content, text and images are copyright © 2010 by Old Nellie Pipes, Nelson Guitars LLC. All rights reserved.
