How I Build
Every guitar I build is shaped by hand, guided by tone, and refined through a deliberate process. Here’s a look inside how your instrument comes to life.
Every step in the build affects how your guitar sounds, feels, and responds. From wood selection to final voicing, this process is designed to create an instrument that is uniquely yours.
Selecting Tonewood
Every great guitar begins with exceptional tonewood.
I carefully select each piece based on weight, grain structure, stiffness, and responsiveness—matching the materials to the voice I want the instrument to have.
This is where the personality of the guitar begins—long before it’s ever assembled.
Bracing and Tap Tuning
The soundboard is the heart of a guitar’s voice, with the back playing a vital supporting role.
Once the materials are selected, I install and shape the bracing to support these thin, responsive plates. As I refine the structure, I remove material gradually—frequently tapping and listening as the wood begins to respond.
This hands-on voicing allows each guitar to be tuned for responsiveness and tone in a way factory instruments simply can’t match.
Body Construction
With the top and back voiced, the guitar begins to take physical shape.
The sides are carefully bent using heat and steam, then fitted to match the geometry of the instrument. Once everything is prepared, the body is assembled with precision—bringing together the components that define both the structure and tonal foundation of the guitar.
At this stage, the instrument becomes more than parts—it becomes a unified, resonant body.
Dialing in the Playability
Playability is just as important as tone—and it’s where craftsmanship is immediately felt by the player.
As I shape the neck and refine the fretboard, nut, and saddle, every detail is focused on achieving clean intonation and a comfortable, responsive feel.
A great guitar shouldn’t fight you—it should feel effortless in your hands.
Inlay & Decoration
Each guitar is finished with custom inlay and thoughtful detailing, ensuring no two instruments are ever exactly alike.
While these elements may appear subtle, they require careful planning and precision to execute.
These details give each instrument its own identity—distinct, personal, and one of a kind.
Finishing
The finishing process is where the guitar’s full character begins to emerge.
I use a traditional French polish, applying many ultra-thin layers by hand. This method not only highlights the natural beauty of the wood, but also allows the instrument to resonate more freely than heavier modern finishes—resulting in greater responsiveness and tonal depth.
The result is a finish that enhances both the look and the voice of the guitar.
Final Setup & Voicing
The final setup is where everything comes together.
At this stage, I shape the nut and saddle, and refine the action and intonation. Small adjustments here have a significant impact on both tone and feel, allowing me to bring out the best in each instrument.
This is where the guitar is refined into a fully responsive, inspiring instrument.
Find Your Guitar
Whether you’re looking for a guitar that’s ready to play or you’re interested in creating something uniquely your own, I’d love to help you find the right instrument.