So what seems kind of odd to you seems like a natural progression to me but we differ on the goals and motivations we think drives him.
And "retirement" is not what it used to. The days of staying home and collecting a pension from the most recent employer are gone. An awful lot of folks use the time to do something similar but different and not do it full time. Ren seems to fit that pattern. "If it is fun or interesting then I am going to do it."
Leaving CA for China in search of less strict emissions regulations could be a smart move.
If the most or all of the magic that is an Orpheum is available more broadly and at more affordable price points, I think that's a good thing.
So these videos and blog that mention this factory are by the supposed European distributor of the "Shadow Guitars", supposedly specs and details will be forthcoming soon:
https://www.bestacoustics.eu/germany.html
Advance warning: no politics, please. This thread isn't there yet, but it's close. If it goes over a cliff it'll be gone and people will be spoken to.
Never heard of Shadow Guitars. If they get a more streamlined factory and some Res-isms to make the guitars better, I still have no clue who they are or where they can be purchased. I figure it will remain like this after Ren moves to his next project and the articles stop being printed. Over the last few years, I figure there are plenty of brands that I HAVE heard of, making very nice instruments, that I don't need yet another Pac Rim one.
My memory is that the fruits of Ren's most recent labors are targeted for the European market which might explain why you have not seen/heard much yet.
Not to mention the Asian market, particularly the growing interest in guitars in China. Personally I salute Ren for seeing the opportunity to, and wanting to, have an impact there. It's not all about us.
-Dave-
John, the link was posted a few times after I posted it in June already. There is a lot of info there already. Unfortunatelly my pictures in the thread are gone due to the great Photobucket issue...Never heard of Shadow Guitars. ... I still have no clue who they are or where they can be purchased.
Hahaha! Ralf, that made me wonder for a minute or two about a new shop in town. Then I realized: this must be Klangfarbe's acoustic department, biggest guitar store in Austria.[…]- Sound color Acoustics, Vienna, Austria […]
My memory is that the fruits of Ren's most recent labors are targeted for the European market which might explain why you have not seen/heard much yet.