Today, I create with this goal: To give the instrument the absolute best chance to be loved by anyone who plays it.
The modification of my first guitar, which still hangs in my shop.
I began playing guitar like most people, with a cheap $85 knock off. At first it sufficed, but slowly I began to see the limitations of my instrument.
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I wanted to learn to care for my instrument, get the most out of it. A good setup and proper care can make a world of difference.
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That wasn't enough though. I started modding as well, and began to swap out pickups, change hardware, and rewire electronics.
I began to understand the construction of the electric guitar, and wanted to go even deeper. I began to build kits, learn construction styles and approaches to finishes.
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I began to build the tools I didn't have, and to work out methodologies that would accomplish my goals with the tools I did have. I practiced, made mistakes, learned and grew.
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It's one thing to understand the basics. It's quite another thing to understand how a few thousandths of an inch can change the fundamental feel and playability of a guitar.
Building a drum sander large enough to handle guitar bodies.
Contest guitars, left to right: GGBO 2020 Top 30, GGBO 2022, and GAGBC 2022 2nd Place.
2020's Great Guitar Build Off was a huge inspiration. I was getting feedback directly from both luthiers and players on my work. I made top 30 out of several hundred in that contest.
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I continued to refine my processes and methodologies. In 2022 I won 2nd place in the Great American Guitar Building Contest with my All-American Root Beer Tele w/ Cherry on Top.
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So how do I accomplish my goal of giving an instrument it's best chance at being loved? Excellent woods, solid construction, impeccable frets, beautiful finish, great setups, and built to specification; for every single instrument.