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?
Shop Blog
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
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’m Boycotting Gibson Repairs
I don't like controversy for the sake of controversy. But I want to speak up because this issue affects my industry and independent builders. Gibson Guitars® has been attacking our friends in the luthier community with dubious legal trademark threats and greedy corporate scare tactics. Their practices are threatening the livelihood of many … [Read more...] about Why I’m Boycotting Gibson Repairs
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 seasons here. The biannual Solstice event is foundational to … [Read more...] about Philosophy in Depth
Climate & Instrument Wellness
In this Article... Humidity Myths & Rumors Temperature Welcome to Flagstaff, AZ. We have big skies, beautiful mountains, full seasonal changes, and a pretty harsh climate for string instruments! Our humidity can get down into single digits, and the wide fluctuations can severely irritate guitars and other things made of … [Read more...] about Climate & Instrument Wellness
