I started learning acoustic guitar repair and setup technique in 1999, just as I finished my first build. In many ways my career has come full circle. I became obsessed with the notion of building a guitar when I was young. This earned me an apprenticeship to learn acoustic repair and restoration. A little later I ended up running my own retail … [Read more...] about How Has Repair Informed My Building?
Philosophy & Approach
What is Strategic Variation?
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?
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
Philosophy in Depth
Down the rabbit hole... First off, this might get a little weird. If you like exploring the nature of reality, please come along. The discussion below is not really about guitars. What does the Solstice mean? I am inspired by the remote beauty of northern Arizona and the turning of our seasons here. The biannual Solstice event is foundational … [Read more...] about Philosophy in Depth
