Andy shows off Lewiston-made crafts

Woodworker John Stass plans to again thank one of his favorite customers — TV legend Andy Griffith.

Three nationwide commercials for Medicare that feature Griffith at his North Carolina home also picture Griffith’s wooden guitar stands, made by Stass in his Lewiston shop.

The ads, which have been running for more than a week, haven’t drummed up a lot of business for Stass’ company, Katahdin Studio Furniture.

“No one knows those are my stands,” Stass said.

Instead, the ads have been a badge of honor among Stass’ friends and other customers.

“I’ve gotten e-mails and phone calls,” said Stass.

How many?

“I’ve lost count,” he said.

The guitar stands have been seen in a variety of places. They’ve showed up on videos with Melissa Etheridge. And thanks to Griffith, another showed up in a “making of” documentary for the music video for “Waiting on a Woman” by county artist Brad Paisley.

A sage Griffith appeared with Paisley in the video and gave the 38-year-old singer-songwriter one of the stands as a gift.

Stass has talked with Griffith and his wife, Cindi, several times.

The TV star matches his persona perfectly, Stass said.

“He is very warm and courteous,” Stass said. “He truly is a gentleman.”

— Daniel Hartill

Supporting Sponsor for Franklin Journal, Livermore Falls Advertiser, Rangeley Highlander and Rumford Falls Times.
Keeping communities informed by supporting local news. franklinsavings.bank