Hand Crafted Guitars styled with Vintage Charm
I've been building and repairing Guitars and Mandolins since 1975, one at a time. I build in traditional styles and materials, with some modern materials where suitable. Double-0, Triple-0, and Grand Concert guitar sizes, and the New Navy mandolin, are my specialities.
John in Vermont had this to say about one of my instruments:
"I think you really succeeded in bringing a vintage sound and look into the 21st century. The high end is bright and clear and as I mentioned last night, it actually has a bit of "chop." I'm looking forward to some serious front porch playing with it this summer."
"The mando has been getting a lot of playing time. I have to say that it really is a remarkable instrument. I can't get over the way it projects so well. It's as good as any carved top I've ever owned or played."
You can see and hear a recent recording of two of my instruments, and a short story of me and my shop, at my youtube channel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KdHF4TDdgY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li4wz4eJHeU
Below is the headstock of Andy Hodge's Mahogany dreadnaught, with Ebony fretboard & Amazon Rosewood plate.
You can see the Spanish V-Joint. Andy chose to fit the finest tuners available.
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Here's a view of the wood storage wall and "lay-down" bench.
If I can stop carving away the bracing, this is how it should look.
Here's a peek inside the mandolins
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This is my preferred headstock joint, the Spanish V-Joint, similar to one used by Martin in the early days, and of course, Spanish luthiers. A very strong joint, it allows me to choose the choicest wood for the neck shaft. My necks are normally "built-up", as a solid wood neck is very wasteful of precious Honduras Mahogany.
And finally, a protrait of the guitar builder as a child!
David Newton