My journey into instrument making began as a natural blend of two artistic passions: woodworking and music. I first experimented with this fusion back in high school, when I tried turning an oboe on my dad’s lathe. The results were terrible—but I was still hooked.

In 2003, I bought a book on how to build a hammered dulcimer. I completed the instrument, sold it to a friend, and used the proceeds to build another—this time with a slightly improved design.

A decade later, in 2013, I finally worked up the courage to build my first guitar. I ended up playing that one for a while until I built another, and it sounded and played better. Now with over 20 guitars now under my belt, I realize that experience is a marvelous teacher! I also need to give a shout out to Robbie O’Brien at O’Brien Guitars, who has become a primary mentor for me in building. How fortunate that he lives just 20 minutes away from me.

And for those interested in the guitar-making process…