Chip Todd

Folks, Chip has decided to retire. The following is the text of the letter he sent when he returned a guitar to a T-60 Forum member.

"A couple of weeks ago, after agonizing soul searching, I met with my orthopedic surgeon and family doctor, and determined that I have been kidding myself and putting off a decision that's the most depressing one I have ever made.

My health has been deteriorating for the last couple of years and has reached the point where I can no longer ignore this inescapable fact: I cannot work well with my hands, nor can I stand at the mill and do acceptable work. I have been doing much more fixing up screw-ups than making forward progress.

I have ignored my doctors' advice to retire, still thinking I could finish up the work and then retire. With artificial knees, two artificial knuckles, other arthritic joints, and Macular Degeneration taking my vision, I have reached the point whre I just cannot physically do the work I need to do.

I've tried to find someone who can, and would, take over and finish the work I started, but have had no success. This has been the hardest thing I have ever done. Having to return guitars that have incomplete work has kept me sleepless, off-my-feed, and depressed to the point that my local friends and sister have been quite concerned. Putting off the inevitable is no longer an option. I'll be undergoing more knee surgery and will need someone who can take care of me during therapy and I need to get used to my surroundings as Macular Degeneration progresses.

I have been easy prey for shoplifters; many parts are missing and I lack the resources to replace them. With Social Security being my main source of income, I have closed my shop and my friends have paid for the return of your instruments. I ask your forgiveness and hope I have not caused irreparable damage to anyone's life.

Sincerely,

Chip "

End of letter --

Please send some mojo and prayers Chip's way.