Independent Luthiers' Bivalve Mollusk Initiative

For generations, the most beautiful and notable bluegrass guitars have had scalloped bracing, with the rare exception of those which didn't.

The ILBMI is a commitment to bring the inspiration of other bivalve mollusks - principally the clam, mussel, and oyster - to top-tier bluegrass guitar that so far has been the exclusive domain of the scallop.

Founding members Thompson Guitars, Bourgeois Guitars, Santa Cruz Guitars, and Breedlove Guitars have vowed to be the rising tide that lifts all seafood. "It's actually a real problem in the bluegrass community," said Christine Funk, long-time IBMA board member and kickass honco lady at Thompson. "Here in Oregon, we have access to some of the most amazing clams and oysters in the world, and yet again and again we've appeared on grammy-winning records with scalloped guitars only. Something needs to change."

A key demand from the independent luthiers is internationsl recognition of their founding document, the Constitution of Bivalve Mollusk Bracing in Blugrass. Although no mass-production shop has yet declared their undying allegiance, the effort has caused a stir on social media, and at a number of small pubs frequented by luthiers.

"It's true. Oregon. Mollusks. It's all true," said a Santa Cruz luthier who asked to speak on condition of anonymity due to naitonal security concern. "If I had it to do again today, our Tony Rice signature model would be clammed and musseled in addition to being scalloped."