Old Nellie Pipes

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Joe Nelson at the buffing wheel
Joe's Signature shape is his reverse volcano
Joe's amazing paneled Bulldog, selected for the 7 day set in the 2012 GKCP Pipe Carver's Contest

Old Nellie Pipes are made by Joe Nelson. The following bio and photos are from the Old Nellie Pipes Website:

For over 40 years woodworking has been my form of expression and my escape. I have built an array of projects so vast that I can't begin to recall each of them. I have designed and built custom cabinetry and furniture, on a part-time professional basis. I have also rebuilt the 120 year old farmhouse where I reside.

In 1995 I started researching the art of lutherie, an interest I've had since about 1975. By February 1998 I was tooled up and started building and repairing stringed instruments. I have built several types of stringed instruments however, my primary focus are steel stringed acoustic guitars.

I thought I had worked with just about every type of raw material possible, then I was introduced to the art of pipe-making. Soon after my first encounter with briar I knew this was what I had to do. My passion for pipe making was confirmed after attending the Chicago pipe show. I was simply blown away by the craftsmanship, camaraderie and overall atmosphere there. I have since made many pipes and have enjoyed the challenges and rewards of being a pipe maker.

With these experiences behind me, I decided to pursue a full-time career in pipe making and lutherie. I look forward to providing the pipe smoking community with high grade, handmade pipes, for years to come. I also look forward to building, as well as repairing, stringed instruments for musicians around the globe.

I reside in Fond du Lac County, WI, in the same old farmhouse with my wife of 36 years, Sue. We have been blessed with 3 daughters Sarah, Amy and Amanda, 3 son-in-laws Troy, Scott and Adam and 9 grandchildren Sierra, John, Noah, Sam, Joshua, Madelyn, Connor, Alaina and Henry so far.

Editors Note:I had the pleasure of sharing a table next to Joe at the Chicago Pipe Show several years ago, and have looked forward to seeing him ever since. In addition to making guitars, Joe brews an amazing Belgian style beer and roasts his own coffee. Visiting Joe's workshop is definitely on my bucket list... --sethile (talk) 02:48, 7 May 2014 (UTC)

You might also like to listen to Brian Levine's interview with Joe on the PipesMagazine.com Radio Show