About

We come in different shapes. With different dreams.

Shouldn't musical instruments?

Think of what I do as bespoke tailoring. But instead of silk or shearling, I work with claro walnut or titanium to build an instrument which fits you as well as your favorite piece of clothing. And sounds like that symphony you are imagining.

Each one is a singularly individual piece of fine art.

I work in the spirit of pre-industrial artisanship, where a skilled master is responsible for every outcome. I survive by the quality of my instruments, and by the quality of the relationships I build with my clients.

Collaboration.

We will walk through this design process together.

Details determine the success of a design for you — size of your hands, physical build, style of music played, preferred tunings — all have a profound impact on the design. Details are where our collaboration becomes critical in shaping the design and voice of your instrument.

Begin the process by taking notes on your favorite intruments:

• What do you like?
• What do you dislike?
• What can you...imagine?

Principles guiding my lutherie.

I. Clients — I build a limited number of instruments per year. Each receives extraordinary time and attention. I put the same care into client relationships. After all, this is an investment into your art.

II. Function — Instruments are tools to make music. If you are distracted by the instrument while playing, you are no longer making music. The design must be invisible to the body. But perhaps not to the eye.

III. Component Quality — An instrument is only as good as the sum of its parts. Mechanicals must be exemplary, and maintainable.

IV. Sustainability — Our Earth is fragile. With as few exeptions as possible, I use sustainable hard & softwoods grown in North America. I particularly like to obtain from local or regional sources. Tone is as much a function of design, as a function of woods.

V. Exploration — Strive to expand the vocabulary of design and of tone. If I offer you a different shape, an unusual tone, you could be inspired to push your own musical boundaries and become a better artist.