Strategic variation is the process of leaving certain specifications open or undefined until the guitar goes into production. We alter important details to create a wide array of possibility and potential for each model. These can be practical things like nut width, string spacing, neck profile, frets and pickup choices. Obvious things like custom … [Read more...] about What is Strategic Variation?
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Strategy & Philosophy
AN INFORMED APPROACH Throughout my career I've worked on thousands of guitars and other instruments (approx. 6,500 as of 2020.) My history as a repair luthier has significantly informed my approach to design and building. The way a guitar plays and feels, along with longevity and stability are some aspects of my target as a … [Read more...] about Strategy & Philosophy
Humidity & The New Monsoon
[This article is about weather patterns and climate in the Flagstaff region of northern Arizona.] Can you over-humidify an acoustic guitar? I observe a lot of patterns with our workflow and the repair demand related to the weather around here, specifically the humidity levels. This area is known for being a high desert, where low humidity is … [Read more...] about Humidity & The New Monsoon
Latest Repairs & Info
Check out some of my recent repairs below. Many pics have multiple frames and descriptions. Click the scroll arrows inside the pic. Videos will load and play in the popup window. If you are in need a repair or setup work click here to book your appointment! Get VIP Updates * indicates required First Name … [Read more...] about Latest Repairs & Info
Why I Charge $600 Minimum for Re-Fret Jobs
No matter what kind of car you drive, sometimes it needs new brakes and tires. And sometimes with guitars, taking out and replacing each and every fret is the only way to correct certain problems like long-term fret wear and fingerboard irregularities. Most players have heard of this job: the infamous Re-Fret. It's a labor intensive process. And … [Read more...] about Why I Charge $600 Minimum for Re-Fret Jobs
Humidity Discussion
What happens when a guitar gets dried out? Here's one example. Aside from cracks like the one shown here, the critical geometry is affected. This makes any setup adjustments difficult. There are many different pieces of wood glued together inside a guitar, braces and parts with grain lines pointing in all different directions. When these … [Read more...] about Humidity Discussion
Acoustic Pickup Systems
What is an "Active" Pickup System? When talking about acoustic pickups, an "active system" means it's powered by an internal battery. This is technically called a preamp. Preamps are simply small powered circuits designed to make the pickup signal sound better before it leaves the guitar. A preamp adds frequency equalization (EQ) to … [Read more...] about Acoustic Pickup Systems
Five Ways to Improve Your Electric Guitar Tone
We bet your guitar could sound better! This article covers the five best things you can do with your electric guitar to improve the tone, clarity & voice. There are endless things you can do beyond your output jack to change your sound. Read below to learn about specific upgrades and mods you can do to the instrument itself. 1. NEW … [Read more...] about Five Ways to Improve Your Electric Guitar Tone
