My Story
I have always had a desire to build instruments. I finally jumped into it when my wife surprised me with a Martin guitar kit. Of course the first thing I had to do was modify it. Forward shifted braces, enlarged sound hole, ebony fingerboard, inlays. The full 'Tony" as we know.
When I finished it, it sounded better than the high end guitars I owned at the time. I sold the guitars and started collecting tools and wood.
As you can see, I don't just build one thing. I build about anything. I believe that the diversity opens up opportunities to improve fit and finish, tonal qualities and fine tune the setup of the instruments. I use only the finest materials in the construction including hot hide glue, Adirondack spruce, high figure Maple, lacquer finishes as well as varnish finishes, depending on the instrument and the client's wishes. I prefer to build to your specs. The goal is to provide the client with the instrument he or she would like. I do have a few standard models for dealer sales. The instruments do not come from kits, they all start out as raw wood that gets transformed into the final components. Although I do purchase some of the components like tuners, tailpieces and truss rods.
When I finished it, it sounded better than the high end guitars I owned at the time. I sold the guitars and started collecting tools and wood.
As you can see, I don't just build one thing. I build about anything. I believe that the diversity opens up opportunities to improve fit and finish, tonal qualities and fine tune the setup of the instruments. I use only the finest materials in the construction including hot hide glue, Adirondack spruce, high figure Maple, lacquer finishes as well as varnish finishes, depending on the instrument and the client's wishes. I prefer to build to your specs. The goal is to provide the client with the instrument he or she would like. I do have a few standard models for dealer sales. The instruments do not come from kits, they all start out as raw wood that gets transformed into the final components. Although I do purchase some of the components like tuners, tailpieces and truss rods.
Philosophy "Made To Be Played!"
I use the highest grades of material for the construction. I use hot hide glue for most of the construction, especially anything that is in the sound box. I prefer to use a varnish finish for several reasons. I want a thin flexible finish that is durable. I use oil based varnish with a tru oil top coat on most instruments. I also do oil based varnish with French polished top coats or full Shellac varnish if desired for the traditional approach. I do Nitrocellulose Lacquer for guitars for a tougher finish. I have the utmost respect for the vintage construction and design from the past, but I also think the materials and technologies we have today afford even higher levels of quality. I embrace commonly accepted materials for certain instruments, but I believe there are opportunities using different woods and materials to enhance the aesthetic and tonal qualities. With current restrictions on traditional materials, we need to search for alternatives as well.
Goals
Ease of play and tuning. This is my primary goal for the client. The instruments must be easy to play, stay in tune, every note on the board as clear as the rest up and down the neck. We discuss your preferred setup and play-ability requirements from the start. Fret sizes, string spacing at the nut and saddle, nut width, scale lengths, and preferred action are some of the specs we discuss. I use the highest quality tuners, highest quality nut and saddle materials, accurate fret work and accurate setup to reach this goal. These instruments are intended to be in the hands of musicians.
Perfection for fit and finish. Always a work in progress. To build high quality instruments, you need to master every step in the process. And there are many. From wood selection, accuracy in construction, binding, inlays, fret work, detail inside and outside the box, finishing and setup. Most components are made by 'hand". I use very few machines.
Balanced, consistent tonal qualities to provide the player with the power and sound qualities they desire. We can discuss my opinions on wood combinations and your target musical goals. I flex and tap every top and back, to get a feel for the response and musical qualities. I constantly look for improvements in volume, sustain, projection, and tone. I adjust arching, thicknesses, gradations and bracing to get the best the materials can provide.
I stand behind my work. If you are not satisfied with the instrument when I deliver it, within the 48 hour approval period, you get a full refund or you have the option to have another one made until you are 100% satisfied. If something happens to the instrument from materials or workmanship, I will fix it or replace the instrument. You put your trust in my abilities. I intend to provide the best I can achieve.
Goals
Ease of play and tuning. This is my primary goal for the client. The instruments must be easy to play, stay in tune, every note on the board as clear as the rest up and down the neck. We discuss your preferred setup and play-ability requirements from the start. Fret sizes, string spacing at the nut and saddle, nut width, scale lengths, and preferred action are some of the specs we discuss. I use the highest quality tuners, highest quality nut and saddle materials, accurate fret work and accurate setup to reach this goal. These instruments are intended to be in the hands of musicians.
Perfection for fit and finish. Always a work in progress. To build high quality instruments, you need to master every step in the process. And there are many. From wood selection, accuracy in construction, binding, inlays, fret work, detail inside and outside the box, finishing and setup. Most components are made by 'hand". I use very few machines.
Balanced, consistent tonal qualities to provide the player with the power and sound qualities they desire. We can discuss my opinions on wood combinations and your target musical goals. I flex and tap every top and back, to get a feel for the response and musical qualities. I constantly look for improvements in volume, sustain, projection, and tone. I adjust arching, thicknesses, gradations and bracing to get the best the materials can provide.
I stand behind my work. If you are not satisfied with the instrument when I deliver it, within the 48 hour approval period, you get a full refund or you have the option to have another one made until you are 100% satisfied. If something happens to the instrument from materials or workmanship, I will fix it or replace the instrument. You put your trust in my abilities. I intend to provide the best I can achieve.
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Pricing
.A Mandolin or 2 Point
Solid Spruce tops in Engelmann, Sitka, European or Adirondack. Torrefied Sitka or Adirondack.
Solid carved Maple backs. Flamed or quilted. Torrefied flamed. Some 1 pc backs are available.
Ebony or Rosewood compound radius unbound fingerboard, peghead cover and bridge.
Schaller Grand Tune silver w/ebony buttons tuners
Stainless Steel frets
James Tailpiece
Bone nut
Hide Glue construction
Parallel tone bars
F holes (Oval hole available)
Top body binding for base model
Spirit varnish
Hardshell case
Full trim is triple bound all edges in ivoroid or tortoise, Upgraded inlays, pearl nut, Waverly tuners, Calton or Hoffee case.
Base $4000 full trim approx. $6500
For gold add $250
Standard A Model $6000 Full triple binding. German spruce top. AAA Flamed Maple Back and sides. Gold hardware. EVO frets. Waverly tuners. Optional pickguard. Upgraded case. Varnish finish.
Solid Spruce tops in Engelmann, Sitka, European or Adirondack. Torrefied Sitka or Adirondack.
Solid carved Maple backs. Flamed or quilted. Torrefied flamed. Some 1 pc backs are available.
Ebony or Rosewood compound radius unbound fingerboard, peghead cover and bridge.
Schaller Grand Tune silver w/ebony buttons tuners
Stainless Steel frets
James Tailpiece
Bone nut
Hide Glue construction
Parallel tone bars
F holes (Oval hole available)
Top body binding for base model
Spirit varnish
Hardshell case
Full trim is triple bound all edges in ivoroid or tortoise, Upgraded inlays, pearl nut, Waverly tuners, Calton or Hoffee case.
Base $4000 full trim approx. $6500
For gold add $250
Standard A Model $6000 Full triple binding. German spruce top. AAA Flamed Maple Back and sides. Gold hardware. EVO frets. Waverly tuners. Optional pickguard. Upgraded case. Varnish finish.
F Mandolin
Solid Spruce tops in Engelmann, Sitka, European or Adirondack. Torrefied Sitka or Adirondack.
Solid carved Maple backs. Flamed or quilted. Torrefied flamed. Some 1 pc backs are optional.
Ebony or Rosewood compound radius unbound fingerboard, peghead cover and bridge.
Waverly silver w/ebony buttons tuners
Stainless Steel frets
James Tailpiece
Bone nut
Hide Glue construction
Parallel tone bars
F holes (Oval hole available)
Top body binding for base model
Spirit varnish
Hardshell case
Full trim is triple bound all edges in ivoroid or tortoise, upgraded inlays, pearl nut, Calton or Hoffee case.
Base $6500 full trim approx. $9000
Heritage Model $9000 Adirondack top. Flamed torrefied Maple back. Gold or silver hardware. EVO or stainless steel frets. Side line Ivoroid binding all edges. Special design peghead and tailpiece inlay and graphic. Calton or Hoffee case.
For gold add $250
Solid Spruce tops in Engelmann, Sitka, European or Adirondack. Torrefied Sitka or Adirondack.
Solid carved Maple backs. Flamed or quilted. Torrefied flamed. Some 1 pc backs are optional.
Ebony or Rosewood compound radius unbound fingerboard, peghead cover and bridge.
Waverly silver w/ebony buttons tuners
Stainless Steel frets
James Tailpiece
Bone nut
Hide Glue construction
Parallel tone bars
F holes (Oval hole available)
Top body binding for base model
Spirit varnish
Hardshell case
Full trim is triple bound all edges in ivoroid or tortoise, upgraded inlays, pearl nut, Calton or Hoffee case.
Base $6500 full trim approx. $9000
Heritage Model $9000 Adirondack top. Flamed torrefied Maple back. Gold or silver hardware. EVO or stainless steel frets. Side line Ivoroid binding all edges. Special design peghead and tailpiece inlay and graphic. Calton or Hoffee case.
For gold add $250
Jazz Mandolin
Solid Spruce tops in Engelmann, Sitka, European, Adirondack or Cedar. Torrefied Sitka or Adirondack.
Solid carved Maple backs. Flamed or quilted. Torrefied flamed.
Ebony or Rosewood compound radius unbound fingerboard, peghead cover and bridge.
Waverly nickel w/pearl buttons tuners
Stainless Steel frets
James Tailpiece w/Ebony Art Deco cover
Bone nut
Hide Glue construction
Hybrid tone bars
S holes
Top body binding for base model
Spirit varnish
Hoffee case
Full trim is triple bound all edges in ivoroid or tortoise, upgraded inlays, pearl nut, Calton or Hoffee case.
Base $6500 full trim approx. $9000
For gold add $250
Solid Spruce tops in Engelmann, Sitka, European, Adirondack or Cedar. Torrefied Sitka or Adirondack.
Solid carved Maple backs. Flamed or quilted. Torrefied flamed.
Ebony or Rosewood compound radius unbound fingerboard, peghead cover and bridge.
Waverly nickel w/pearl buttons tuners
Stainless Steel frets
James Tailpiece w/Ebony Art Deco cover
Bone nut
Hide Glue construction
Hybrid tone bars
S holes
Top body binding for base model
Spirit varnish
Hoffee case
Full trim is triple bound all edges in ivoroid or tortoise, upgraded inlays, pearl nut, Calton or Hoffee case.
Base $6500 full trim approx. $9000
For gold add $250
A Mandola
Solid Spruce tops in Engelmann, Sitka, European or Adirondack. Torrefied Sitka or Adirondack.
Solid carved Maple backs. Flamed or quilted. Torrefied flamed.
Ebony or Rosewood compound radius unbound fingerboard, peghead cover and bridge.
Waverly silver w/ebony buttons tuners
Stainless Steel frets
James Tailpiece
Bone nut
Hide Glue construction
Parallel tone bars
F holes (Oval hole available)
Top body binding for base model
Spirit varnish
Hardshell case
Full trim is triple bound all edges in ivoroid or tortoise, upgraded inlays, pearl nut, Calton or Hoffee case.
Base $4500 full trim approx. $7000
For gold add $250
Solid Spruce tops in Engelmann, Sitka, European or Adirondack. Torrefied Sitka or Adirondack.
Solid carved Maple backs. Flamed or quilted. Torrefied flamed.
Ebony or Rosewood compound radius unbound fingerboard, peghead cover and bridge.
Waverly silver w/ebony buttons tuners
Stainless Steel frets
James Tailpiece
Bone nut
Hide Glue construction
Parallel tone bars
F holes (Oval hole available)
Top body binding for base model
Spirit varnish
Hardshell case
Full trim is triple bound all edges in ivoroid or tortoise, upgraded inlays, pearl nut, Calton or Hoffee case.
Base $4500 full trim approx. $7000
For gold add $250
F Mandola
Solid Spruce tops in Engelmann, Sitka, European or Adirondack. Torrefied Sitka or Adirondack.
Solid carved Maple backs. Flamed or quilted. Torrefied flamed.
Ebony or Rosewood compound radius unbound fingerboard, peghead cover and bridge.
Waverly silver w/ebony buttons tuners
Stainless Steel frets
James Tailpiece
Bone nut
Hide Glue construction
Parallel tone bars
F holes (Oval hole available)
Top body binding for base model
Spirit varnish
Hardshell case
Full trim is triple bound all edges in ivoroid or tortoise, upgraded inlays, pearl nut, Calton or Hoffee case.
Base $6500 full trim approx. $9000
For gold add $250
Solid Spruce tops in Engelmann, Sitka, European or Adirondack. Torrefied Sitka or Adirondack.
Solid carved Maple backs. Flamed or quilted. Torrefied flamed.
Ebony or Rosewood compound radius unbound fingerboard, peghead cover and bridge.
Waverly silver w/ebony buttons tuners
Stainless Steel frets
James Tailpiece
Bone nut
Hide Glue construction
Parallel tone bars
F holes (Oval hole available)
Top body binding for base model
Spirit varnish
Hardshell case
Full trim is triple bound all edges in ivoroid or tortoise, upgraded inlays, pearl nut, Calton or Hoffee case.
Base $6500 full trim approx. $9000
For gold add $250
Octave Mandolin
Solid Spruce tops in Engelmann, Sitka, European or Adirondack. Torrefied Sitka or Adirondack.
Solid carved Maple backs. Flamed or quilted. Torrefied flamed.
Ebony or Rosewood unbound compound radius fingerboard, peghead cover and bridge.
Waverly silver w/ebony buttons tuners
Stainless Steel frets
James Tailpiece
Bone nut
Hide Glue construction
Parallel tone bars or X brace
F holes (Oval hole available)
Top body binding for base model
Spirit varnish
Hardshell case
Full trim is triple bound all edges in ivoroid or tortoise, upgraded inlays, pearl nut, Calton or Hoffee case.
Base $6500 full trim approx. $8000
For gold add $250
Solid Spruce tops in Engelmann, Sitka, European or Adirondack. Torrefied Sitka or Adirondack.
Solid carved Maple backs. Flamed or quilted. Torrefied flamed.
Ebony or Rosewood unbound compound radius fingerboard, peghead cover and bridge.
Waverly silver w/ebony buttons tuners
Stainless Steel frets
James Tailpiece
Bone nut
Hide Glue construction
Parallel tone bars or X brace
F holes (Oval hole available)
Top body binding for base model
Spirit varnish
Hardshell case
Full trim is triple bound all edges in ivoroid or tortoise, upgraded inlays, pearl nut, Calton or Hoffee case.
Base $6500 full trim approx. $8000
For gold add $250
A Model Octave Mandolin
Solid Spruce tops in Engelmann, Sitka, European or Adirondack. Torrefied Sitka or Adirondack.
Solid carved Maple backs. Flamed or quilted. Torrefied flamed.
Ebony or Rosewood unbound compound radius fingerboard, peghead cover and bridge.
Waverly silver w/ebony buttons tuners
Stainless Steel frets
James Tailpiece
Bone nut
Hide Glue construction
Parallel tone bars or X brace
F holes (Oval hole available)
Top body binding for base model
Spirit varnish
Hoffee case
Full trim is triple bound all edges in ivoroid or tortoise, upgraded inlays, pearl nut, Calton or Hoffee case.
Base $6500 full trim approx. $8000
For gold add $250
Solid Spruce tops in Engelmann, Sitka, European or Adirondack. Torrefied Sitka or Adirondack.
Solid carved Maple backs. Flamed or quilted. Torrefied flamed.
Ebony or Rosewood unbound compound radius fingerboard, peghead cover and bridge.
Waverly silver w/ebony buttons tuners
Stainless Steel frets
James Tailpiece
Bone nut
Hide Glue construction
Parallel tone bars or X brace
F holes (Oval hole available)
Top body binding for base model
Spirit varnish
Hoffee case
Full trim is triple bound all edges in ivoroid or tortoise, upgraded inlays, pearl nut, Calton or Hoffee case.
Base $6500 full trim approx. $8000
For gold add $250
Archtop Guitar
Solid Spruce tops in Engelmann, Sitka, European or Adirondack.
Solid carved Maple backs. Flamed or quilted.
Ebony or Rosewood unbound fingerboard, peghead cover and bridge.
Waverly tuners
Stainless Steel frets
Trapeze Tailpiece or other
Bone nut
Truss rod and carbon fiber neck reinforement
Hide Glue construction
Parallel tone bars
F holes (Oval hole available)
Top body binding for base model
Nitrocellulose lacquer on base model
Calton or Hoffee case
Full trim is triple bound all edges in ivoroid or tortoise, upgraded inlays, spirit or oil varnish.
Base $8000 full trim approx. $10,000
For gold add $250
Solid Spruce tops in Engelmann, Sitka, European or Adirondack.
Solid carved Maple backs. Flamed or quilted.
Ebony or Rosewood unbound fingerboard, peghead cover and bridge.
Waverly tuners
Stainless Steel frets
Trapeze Tailpiece or other
Bone nut
Truss rod and carbon fiber neck reinforement
Hide Glue construction
Parallel tone bars
F holes (Oval hole available)
Top body binding for base model
Nitrocellulose lacquer on base model
Calton or Hoffee case
Full trim is triple bound all edges in ivoroid or tortoise, upgraded inlays, spirit or oil varnish.
Base $8000 full trim approx. $10,000
For gold add $250
Acoustic Guitar
Solid Spruce tops in Engelmann, Sitka, European or Adirondack.
Solid backs. Indian Rosewood or Sapele Mahogany are standard. Other woods are optional.
Ebony or Rosewood unbound fingerboard, peghead cover and bridge.
Waverly tuners
Stainless Steel frets
Long slot saddle bridge
Forward shifted pre-war bracing in Adirondack spruce
Truss rod and carbon fiber neck reinforcement.
Bone nut
Bone saddle
Bone bridge pins
Hide Glue construction
Nitrocellulose lacquer
Pearl position markers
Base model has top body binding in plain ivoroid or tortoise.
TKL Hardshell case.
Full trim includes binding on all edges, multi-line binding or wood binding, upgraded inlays and a Calton or Hoffee case.
Varnish finish optional
Starting at $4000 full trim approx. $7000
Add $3000 for BRW
Added trim details can be discussed for MOP binding lines, fingerboard inlays etc.
Solid Spruce tops in Engelmann, Sitka, European or Adirondack.
Solid backs. Indian Rosewood or Sapele Mahogany are standard. Other woods are optional.
Ebony or Rosewood unbound fingerboard, peghead cover and bridge.
Waverly tuners
Stainless Steel frets
Long slot saddle bridge
Forward shifted pre-war bracing in Adirondack spruce
Truss rod and carbon fiber neck reinforcement.
Bone nut
Bone saddle
Bone bridge pins
Hide Glue construction
Nitrocellulose lacquer
Pearl position markers
Base model has top body binding in plain ivoroid or tortoise.
TKL Hardshell case.
Full trim includes binding on all edges, multi-line binding or wood binding, upgraded inlays and a Calton or Hoffee case.
Varnish finish optional
Starting at $4000 full trim approx. $7000
Add $3000 for BRW
Added trim details can be discussed for MOP binding lines, fingerboard inlays etc.
Resonator Guitars
Solid Spruce tops in Engelmann, Sitka, European or Adirondack or Maple.
Solid backs. Maple, Indian Rosewood or Sapele Mahogany are standard. Other woods are optional.
Ebony or Rosewood unbound fingerboard, peghead cover.
Waverly tuners
Maple fret position markers.
Maple/Ebony saddle
Open design with sound posts w/baffles.
Bone nut
Hide Glue construction
Quarterman or Beard cone.
Spider bridge.
Nitrocellulose lacquer finish
Pearl position markers
Base model has top body binding in plain ivoroid or tortoise.
Hardshell case.
Full trim includes binding on all edges, multi-line binding or wood binding, upgraded inlays and a Calton or Hoffee case.
Starting at $3500 full trim approx. $5500
Solid Spruce tops in Engelmann, Sitka, European or Adirondack or Maple.
Solid backs. Maple, Indian Rosewood or Sapele Mahogany are standard. Other woods are optional.
Ebony or Rosewood unbound fingerboard, peghead cover.
Waverly tuners
Maple fret position markers.
Maple/Ebony saddle
Open design with sound posts w/baffles.
Bone nut
Hide Glue construction
Quarterman or Beard cone.
Spider bridge.
Nitrocellulose lacquer finish
Pearl position markers
Base model has top body binding in plain ivoroid or tortoise.
Hardshell case.
Full trim includes binding on all edges, multi-line binding or wood binding, upgraded inlays and a Calton or Hoffee case.
Starting at $3500 full trim approx. $5500
Electric Guitars
Solid body woods. Mahogany, Ash, Alder
Maple or Mahogany neck
Bolt on neck
String thru or hard tail bridges
Ebony, Rosewood or Maple fingerboard, peghead cover.
Choice of electronics
Choice of tuners
Nitrocellulose lacquer
Ameritage case or other depending on body shape.
Full trim includes custom body shape, drop or carved top in exotic wood, binding, neck thru. Calton case.
Starting at $3000 full trim approx. $5000
Solid body woods. Mahogany, Ash, Alder
Maple or Mahogany neck
Bolt on neck
String thru or hard tail bridges
Ebony, Rosewood or Maple fingerboard, peghead cover.
Choice of electronics
Choice of tuners
Nitrocellulose lacquer
Ameritage case or other depending on body shape.
Full trim includes custom body shape, drop or carved top in exotic wood, binding, neck thru. Calton case.
Starting at $3000 full trim approx. $5000
Bass Guitars
Solid body woods. Mahogany, Ash, Alder
Maple or Mahogany neck
Bolt on neck
String thru or hard tail bridges
Ebony, Rosewood or Maple fingerboard, peghead cover.
Choice of electronics
Choice of tuners
Nitrocellulose lacquer
Ameritage case or other depending on body shape.
Full trim includes custom body shape, drop or carved top in exotic wood, binding, neck thru. Calton case.
Starting at $3000 full trim approx. $5000
Solid body woods. Mahogany, Ash, Alder
Maple or Mahogany neck
Bolt on neck
String thru or hard tail bridges
Ebony, Rosewood or Maple fingerboard, peghead cover.
Choice of electronics
Choice of tuners
Nitrocellulose lacquer
Ameritage case or other depending on body shape.
Full trim includes custom body shape, drop or carved top in exotic wood, binding, neck thru. Calton case.
Starting at $3000 full trim approx. $5000
Electric Mandolins
Solid body woods. Mahogany, Ash, Alder
Maple or Mahogany neck
Bolt on neck
String thru or hard tail bridges
4 or 5 string
Ebony, Rosewood or Maple fingerboard, peghead cover.
Choice of electronics
Choice of tuners
Nitrocellulose lacquer
Hardshell case
Full trim includes custom body shape, drop or carved top in exotic wood, binding, neck thru. Hardshell case.
Starting at $2500 full trim approx. $4000
Solid body woods. Mahogany, Ash, Alder
Maple or Mahogany neck
Bolt on neck
String thru or hard tail bridges
4 or 5 string
Ebony, Rosewood or Maple fingerboard, peghead cover.
Choice of electronics
Choice of tuners
Nitrocellulose lacquer
Hardshell case
Full trim includes custom body shape, drop or carved top in exotic wood, binding, neck thru. Hardshell case.
Starting at $2500 full trim approx. $4000
Other Instruments
I also make Ukuleles and other acoustic instruments. Inquire on specs and pricing.
I also make Ukuleles and other acoustic instruments. Inquire on specs and pricing.
General Terms
I ask for a refundable down payment to get started and hold your place in the schedule.
Nitrocellulose lacquer on base specs for guitars/basses/emandos. Acoustic mandolin family instruments and archtops includes oil waterbased or spirit varnish.
Lifetime warrantee to original owner except for wear and tear and heat, cold or humidity damage.
Photo documentary during custom build.
48 hour approval after receipt of the instrument.
Shipping is included to you for CONUS only. Return shipping is customer's responsibility. If outside of CONUS, shipping is client's responsibility.
Taxes not included if required.
There are so many options for the appearance of the instrument, please request a quote for your ideas.
Lifetime warrantee to original owner except for wear and tear and heat, cold or humidity damage.
Photo documentary during custom build.
48 hour approval after receipt of the instrument.
Shipping is included to you for CONUS only. Return shipping is customer's responsibility. If outside of CONUS, shipping is client's responsibility.
Taxes not included if required.
There are so many options for the appearance of the instrument, please request a quote for your ideas.