
Lou had played professionally for nearly 30 years before meeting Amos Hargrave and finding an interest in instrument repair and restoration. Under Amos tutelage, Lou started simple repairs and set-ups on instruments played by students of the Tulsa Public School system. After three years, Tulsa's need for a complete-service dealer and restorer of fine and student instruments was realized with the opening of The Shop. Amos Hargrave has continued as a mentoring influence on The Shop, lending his expertise as one of America's foremost makers of stringed instruments.