Building Philosophy
Over the past year I have redesigned my instruments. Based on a background in physics and instruction by a respected luthier, I have done several things:
- I have changed the geometry of each body style, including refining the surface area of the top and air volume inside the box.
- I use carbon fiber materials in unique ways for neck and body construction.
- I have developed a style of bracing and voicing that is unique to my instruments as well as each specific instrument.
- I use only the best woods I can find. Along these lines, I want the woods I use to speak for themselves. In other words, I don't like a lot of "Bling". I'd rather showcase the beauty of natural woods. Each set of wood must possess specific physical, tonal and aesthetic characteristics, or I don't use it.
- All of the principles I use are based on hard scientific fact. I don't buy into the "romantic" notion of guitar building. When I first started building, I quickly realized that there is a lot of misinformation, misnomers, etc. floating around. So, I focus on what's really happening based on fact, not hearsay.
- I am more or less a self taught luthier. I have sought the advice of well respected luthiers on certain issues. So, when people ask me to describe my instruments in terms of other brands, I find it very hard. My customers expect something unique. Accordingly, my guitars are unique. They sound, play and feel like a Sharp. They are lively, balanced, and responsive.
Over the years, I have built a vast collection of tonewoods . I receive the majority of my tonewoods in log or billet fouilt brm. From there it is resawn, stickered, dried, and seasoned for a minimum of six years before I will use it. All of this is done in a climate controlled environment to ensure maximum stability and yield.
Like most luthiers I am a perfectionist. A customer's instrument won't leave my hands unless it is as perfect as possible.
The customer/luthier relationship is probably the most important part of custom commission. From the very beginning, I make every effort to identify and understand the customer's needs, playing styles, goals, and expectations. If at all possible I will sit down with a potential customer and watch and listen to them play. If that's not possible, I listen to/watch sound clips, cd's, or videos of them playing. Then after this and identifying their needs, I make recommendations and suggestions. This may go back and forth for a couple of weeks. But, I will work hard until we are in agreement and all is well. Once the guitar is built, I offer my customers free service on their instruments and continued support. So the relationship doesn't end upon delivery.