Clinesmith/ Oregon Fires Update

Todd Clinesmith · Post by **Todd Clinesmith** » 13 Sep 2020 8:44 am

Thanks to all who have inquired about me and the Family. Also thank you who have called , emailed or just was thinking about us.
I will send this off with some typos as things are a bit rough and time short at the moment
First off, my family is safe. We evacuated tuesday with not much warning. We are staying with a family member in Douglas county Oregon about 40 minutes from our property. The fires hit hard and fast, growing from 0 to over 70,000 acres in 24 hours . It started about 6 or 7 miles away and got to us rather quickly.

I was able to access the property through a neighboring road on Friday with a sheriff escort. Shelly and I were allowed 1/2 hour to hike in and asses.
My shop burned down. It burned hot and fast. Nothing left but a mess.

My house is still up with burns to the door and in the deck, most everything around it gone including 3 cords of dry firewood about 30-40 feet away. Still the house with dry Cedar siding stands .
Our small barn made it , goats and pigs alive .
Public Utilities are down, and the spring water system will need to be rebuilt.
I am very comfortable with a chainsaw, and have been thinning the place for years. With the lack of rain we had last winter, my wife and I worked weekly, with long days thinning and burning the under story between my house to my neighbors property and into his property as we knew a fire season was likely. With out a doubt, our work saved the house.
Anyways, this is horrible, and not what I want to have happen in life but it's here. I am being pretty positive and hitting the ground running. I have found a few shops to choose from and to rent. Looking into tooling now. I plan on getting back to work with My Clinesmith Frypans, Cast Aluminum Models , Joaquins and bars. All other models will slowly be rebuilt. I plan on starting to fill orders by the first of the new year and hopefully sooner.

This is the only life I know and at about 50 years young I am moving forward with vigor. I ask that folks not be afraid to place orders for any of these models with my usual small deposit. And as usual, I prefer no early payments as i like to work for what I get and hate feeling in debt. I have always been a man of my word and pride myself with good communication and treating every body with mutual respect. Things may hit a few bumps, but I will be moving forward with my best intentions . I will be taking Clinesmith Bar orders, but prefer to start a list and take no money upfront. Please email with any questions , and understand my usual quick communication will be a little spottier , and should be answered with in a few days.Please do not hesitate to get a hold of me, I am busy but you will not be bugging me .

The steel guitar world has been good to me The love and passion I have for steel guitar has always come full circle with support from the some of the greatest people , customers and friends. I thank everybody who has purchased a guitar, inquired about a guitar, or just dream of owning a Clinesmith.
Thank you,
Todd

Chuck Moore · Post by **Chuck Moore** » 13 Sep 2020 9:09 am

So sad to hear this news Todd. I'm sure there are many of us here who'd like to help you out. Please post your PayPal account info so we can do so.
Hang in their buddy, you have a good attitude.

Greg Booth · Post by **Greg Booth** » 13 Sep 2020 9:11 am

So great to read how well you are coping with the disaster. I have always admired your talents in music and instrument building and I would bet the farm you will come out of this better than ever. Nothing but admiration and respect here Todd.

John Rosett · Post by **John Rosett** » 13 Sep 2020 9:13 am

Todd-I am so sorry about your shop! I am really glad that you and your family are safe, and at least you still have your house. Your attitude is inspirational.
I hope to get a chance to pick with you next year, and I'm thinking that this will be the year I finally get one of your guitars.

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 13 Sep 2020 9:15 am

I am organizing a GoFundMe drive for Todd. Please see the link below.

Todd, I hope this small gesture helps to show you how much you mean to us.

https://gf.me/u/yyhm7t

Chuck Moore · Post by **Chuck Moore** » 13 Sep 2020 9:23 am

Good move Mike.

I've already donated to Todd via PayPal (toddclinesmith@yahoo.com) but this is a more convenient way to keep all the funds consolidated.

Jim Newberry · Post by **Jim Newberry** » 13 Sep 2020 9:51 am

We have all been uplifted by your musical craftsmanship and generosity. Our musical passion has so greatly benefited from your contributions to the craft. We all care for your family, your personal well-being and your livelihood. Weâ€™re here to support you, my friend.

Andy Volk · Post by **Andy Volk** » 13 Sep 2020 10:09 am

Todd, thank you for everything you've done and continue to do for the steel guitar community. I'm glad to be able to donate to help out at this challenging time for your family.

We really never know what life's gonna hand us. I'm inspired by your attitude and I'm looking forward to seeing the next great things you'll be building. If the family is safe, THAT is what's important. Everything else is just stuff. Best of luck with the next chapter of the Clinesmith story!

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 13 Sep 2020 10:18 am

Weâ€™re with you, Todd. Take care of that beautiful family of yours.

David DeLoach · Post by **David DeLoach** » 13 Sep 2020 10:33 am

Todd, I am so very sorry to hear this news. But I have to say your attitude about it all is very inspiring! I just put a bit in the GoFundMe. I sure wish I could have done more, but having been laid off since March things are pretty lean over here. BUT, I hope to get back on my feet soon and when I do you can be sure a Joaquin lap steel with the wider spaced strings and a horeshoe pickup will be one of the first things I will try to get!

Will Slack · Post by **Will Slack** » 13 Sep 2020 11:13 am

I'm so sorry that you and your family are going through this, Todd. Glad to hear your home was spared. I hope some sense of normalcy can return for y'all soon.

gary pierce · Post by **gary pierce** » 13 Sep 2020 11:32 am

Todd its good to hear you, and your family are ok, and the house was spared.
This has been tragic for so many people, and I will be glad to help any way I can.

Post by **Brad Bechtel** » 13 Sep 2020 11:34 am

I'm happy to contribute to the GoFundMe that Mike started, and I encourage those of you who can to help out as well.

I don't think I'll ever be able to afford a Clinesmith, but I can afford to help keep Todd's business going.

Post by **Joey Ace** » 13 Sep 2020 12:13 pm

Todd,
I'm so happy to hear the relatively good news. I'm sure you'll recover better than ever.
Stay strong, I admire your attitude concerning the situation.

PS I'm still enjoying the Reso you made for me 16 years ago, hope yours is OK.

Joey

Jerry Wagner · Post by **Jerry Wagner** » 13 Sep 2020 6:20 pm

Todd,
We're so relieved to hear that your family's all OK, and that the fire spared your home & animals. In the midst of such hard times, that's surely something to be grateful for. You must have many friends & neighbors who are hurting too. Our thoughts are with you, as we know you'll build back & play on!

And Mike,
Thanks for setting up the GoFundMe page!

Rick Barnhart · Post by **Rick Barnhart** » 13 Sep 2020 6:50 pm

So sorry to hear this Todd. I sent you a donation through Paypal. Youâ€™re a good man and have done so much for me over the years. If thereâ€™s anything I can do, please call or text.

Ian McLatchie · Post by **Ian McLatchie** » 13 Sep 2020 8:31 pm

So sorry for your loss, Todd, but glad to hear you and your family are safe. As you rebuild, I hope you take some consolation in knowing how much joy you bring to those of us who are lucky enough to own your beautiful instruments.

Tony Glassman · Post by **Tony Glassman** » 13 Sep 2020 9:03 pm

Todd, happy to hear that you and your family are safe. Iâ€™m sorry to hear about your shop. Weâ€™re all smoked out in the Lookingglass area. These fires the last thing we all needed in an already tumultuous year. Be safe!

Russell Taylor · Post by **Russell Taylor** » 14 Sep 2020 5:43 am

My first two vintage lap steels were purchased from Todd. A magnatone which I still have and a Rick (wood body slab) that I sold after getting a Panda. Wish I kept it! My dream is to own a Clinesmith, someday.
I am grateful to hear his home & family are safe. Sorry about the shop. I will contribute to help get that replaced asap.

Rob Anderlik · Post by **Rob Anderlik** » 14 Sep 2020 6:07 am

So sorry to hear about this Todd, but glad to hear that you and your family are fine and your house survived the fire. Will be contributing to the fund to help you get back on your feet.

Todd Clinesmith · Post by **Todd Clinesmith** » 14 Sep 2020 6:38 am

I do not know what to say. For now, thank you .

The only time I have choked up over this ordeal is when I typed this initial thread, and when I heard about the Go Fund me that Mike started.

For more news of moving forward.... A wood working friend has offered me a 20 X 20 space in his shop to rent till I get on my feet . I will have access to some wood working tools there and will be looking into tooling this week. I am specifically looking for a Bridgeport Milling Machine and a South Bend lathe. I would drive as far as Washington state, N. California and Western Idaho to purchase the right mill. If any one knows of such machines please email them to me, or call. I have seen one in Washington on craigslist but the seller must be busy since I have not got much communication from him. Another in Idaho, but hoping not to have to drive that far.

Thanks,
Todd

Steve Knight · Post by **Steve Knight** » 14 Sep 2020 8:08 am

I'm sorry to hear about the damage on your property, Todd; but, really glad that your family, home and barn are all OK. Donation sent to the gofundme. I hope you're back and working as much as you'd like to soon. Stay safe!

Mitch Druckman · Post by **Mitch Druckman** » 14 Sep 2020 9:29 am

Sad news indeed. Wishing you and your family the best.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 14 Sep 2020 9:44 am

I'm relieved to hear that you are all safe. That's the main thing. I admire your positive attitude and am happy to donate to your GoFundMe.

Chuck Moore · Post by **Chuck Moore** » 14 Sep 2020 9:52 am

To further illustrate what Todd is going through with this horrendous loss, here's of photo of Todd in front of the ruins of his shop that his sister posted on her facebook page. Please contribute if you can.