What makes a truly exceptional hand made steel string guitar really 'sing' is how the sound box is worked by a master. Veteran luthier Ervin Somogyi is highlighted in this short film about his work and his new books, "The Responsive Guitar" and "Making The Responsive Guitar", available from Luthiers Press in June of 2009.

With more than 40 years experience in Berkeley, California as one of America's finest hand made steel string guitar builders, Somogyi is at his best -- in sound, finish and design. A rare musical glimpse into the workshop of one of America's most respected hand guitar builders, Ervin Somogyi. Original music "If Dreams Could Dance" and "Under the Tuscan Sun" composed and performed on a Somogyi guitar by guitarist Steve Erquiaga, available from his album, Café Paradiso.

Michael Swaine is a ceramics arts instructor based in San Francisco, California, and a lifelong mender. Once a month Michael travels to San Francisco's neediest neighbourhood, the 'Tenderloin' where he offers all-day free mending, friendship, and conversation. His mending is not only about the clothes -- it is about the community, the people in it, and his own needs to find comfort in a world that is so used to throwing things away.

In October, 2008, Michael brought his one man road show to the world's largest knitting and stitching show, The London Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace, in London, England. Michael expands on his journey of mending by going door to door in London in this unique social project which has captivated the hearts of his community and the American public television audience.

Filmed and edited by Studio Galli in San Francisco, the film has been provided to the Arts Council (England) and Creative Exhibitions for use on their website and for broadcast purposes.

We are grateful as well to Michael's many London hosts for their support for this project.