I am not currently accepting commissions, due to loss of my workshop in the Nuns Fire of 2017.

Deposits are typically 25% down, and are Non-Refundable.  We may arrange additional payments, as needed, depending upon your budget.  Commissions must be paid in full within 14 days of notification of completion**.  Options are available at additional expense, see below.

Please contact me if you are considering ordering a bespoke instrument.

About the Instruments:

I am excited to offer lovingly crafted reproductions of excellent vintage guitars I have had the ability to examine in person.   I do so while balancing repair work and music performance, and I build guitars slowly, with great care.  I use hot hide glue on the dovetail and all spruce-to-spruce joints.

I am currently equipped and fixtured for mid-1930’s Gibson models, specifically L-00 (12, 13, and 14-frets-to-body), Roy Smeck models, and J-35/45 models made before WWII.  I am also building Martin-style guitar patterns, based on a beautiful 1937 for O-17 14-fret models.

Standard nut width is 1 3/4″, but I am happy to accommodate your preference.

Body style:  mid 1930’s L-OO, 1937 J-35, 1937 Martin O 14-frets to body.  Nick Lucas, Roy Smeck, Original Jumbo models available.  12-, 13-, or 14-frets to body (depending on the model).

Back and Sides: Oregon claro walnut or big leaf maple.  Figured woods are available, typically $100-150 extra. I often use reclaimed and urban-harvested woods, so back and sides do not always come from the same billet.

Neck: spanish cedar, walnut, big leaf maple (50).

Top: Hemlock, sitka spruce, adirondack  spruce(100).

Fingerboard & Bridge: palisander, ebony (20), walnut, Indian rosewood, and old growth Brazilian (50, bridge only).

Nut & Saddle Unbleached Bone, Ebony, Rosewood. Through-saddle available.

Truss Rod: 2-way adjustable.

Fretwire: Evo Gold Medium (preferred), Nickel/silver.

Finish:  hand-applied varnish, a shellac-based finish process that is non-toxic and easy to retouch. Vintage sunburst finish is available ($200).

Binding:  single or multiple-layer ivoroid binding, black or tortoise available.

Headstock Overlay: Black fiber with hand-cut celluloid Miller logo. Other wood options (20)

Inlay:, ivoroid dots & logo, pearl dots (20).

Pickguard: Solid, firestripe, or tortoiseshell patterns available, all custom-made in house of man-made materials in the old fashion.

Pickup Option: K&K Pure Mini (150), locally made and very effective.

Case:  Arched top hardshell, other options available.

Shipping:  UPS (actual shipping cost).  Pickup is encouraged.

I strive to meet the standards of the golden era of American guitars, and I eschew most modern appointments in favor of period-correct choices.

While I am very pleased to offer vintage specifications, I am also happy to accommodate your needs to get the very best and most suitable guitar for you.  As someone who prefers the old to the new, my goal is to make wonderful and playable guitars that can stand side by side with the best of the old.

I strive for clear and concise communication with my customers, so please contact me with any questions.

**all instruments must be paid in full before shipment.