All of the staff at LMI, Luthiers Mercantile International Inc. have played a large part in encouraging and assisting me in establishing Valleys Guitars, in the early stages they patiently listened to my ramblings,about what I wanted to achieve and tendered advice on a whole range of things from what basic equipment I would need to wood selection and various and many questions from me of one sort or the other.In particular Dan Kabanuck became my mentor, (so to speak),his whole demeanor however belied, what in fact was on the other end of the phone,  I imagined Dan as a conservative 35 to 40 year old, sales consultant that went home to a wife and Kids and possibly the most exciting thing that he got up to in his spare time was the occasional Gig at a Local community event or just,but very occasionally, at the local bar.

Was I in for a shock, Dan all you out there, is a “head banger” in a popular and up and coming HEAVY METAL BAND called  AFTERTAYST-– take a look at this Picture of mild

mannered Dan playing a Local Gig.

I nearly fell out of my tree when I saw this Picture —- but folks I am here to tell you that they get worse!!!!

Well I told you that there was more to come — LOOK AT THIS — our friendly Salesperson, “The Luthiers Best Friend”,  turns into a devil, still playing that Les Paul Standard and looking just as intimidating as in the first shot. The only question that comes to mind is, how does he get all that muck off?

THERE IS MORE TO COME AND IT GETS WORSE!!!!!!!!! BUT just before they do there is also a soft side here he is as the Christmas Fairy.

Dan is also a Luthier as are a lot of the staff at LMI, here is a picture of Dan holding a highly figured Maple topped Guitar built by Dan in the Les Paul style.