Standard Features
Stainless Steel Frets
Stainless steel frets are superior to normal nickel/silver frets in terms of hardness and durability. The general assessment on SS fret longevity is that they can last a lifetime -- a huge improvement over normal fret wire. Stainless steel frets can also remain in a highly polished state because of their exceptional durability.
Double Sides
I build with double sides as in the tradition of concert quality classical guitars. Not only are there significant structural advantages to double sides (resistance to cracks and neck resets) but I believe there is potential for tonal improvement as well. The theory is that stiffness and rigidity help prevent the sides from wasting valuable vibrational energy and improve both volume and projection. To this end, reversed kerfing is used over traditonal triangular kerfing. Please Note: Double sides are not a cost cutting measure and should not be confused with the low-quality laminates found in entry-level guitars. On the contrary, double sides add more labor and expense to the build process.
Advanced Truss-Rod and Neck Stiffening System
I use a remarkably effective truss-rod (designed by Kevin Ryan) that produces a strong, stable, and controllable neck. The primary advantage of this design is its rigid frame and micro-adjustability. This is the best neck solution I have ever encountered -- in truth, a very brilliant system.
Innovative Bracing Design
I aim to build guitars that are vibrant, loud, and responsive -- producing a full, open tone with exceptional balance and clarity. In this effort, I have created a bracing design that allows the soundboard to remain very flexible but still have significant strength in key locations. For specific regions of the soundboard, I have adopted the use of a bracing innovation by classical guitar builders John and William Gilbert called T-Bracing. It is a slight departure from a traditional brace in that it looks like an upside-down letter “T”. In practical terms, T-Bracing allows me to achieve a very strong, lightweight brace with a wide footprint for gluing.
Polyester Finish
The finish must protect the instrument, be long-lasting, and not impede vibration. It is vital that the film thickness be as thin as possible -- nothing kills tone faster than a thick finish. I have experimented heavily with many finish types (French Polish, Varnish, Nitroceullose Lacquer, Water-Based Lacquers, and Urethane) and my preference by far is a Polyester finish. The Polyester guitar finish was pioneered by Taylor guitars and is the finish of choice for most high-end factory and boutique built instruments (Taylor, Larrivee, and Collings). There are also a number of innovative luthiers that use this finish type (Ryan, Olson, and a few others). The great advantage of Polyester finish is that it can be applied as a very thin film and still offer superior protection. Furthermore, the finish is highly resistant to a wide-array of solvents and does not degrade over time like Lacquer. Polyester is also very resistant to checking and damage due to rapid changes in temperature or humidity.
Ameritage Cases
All my guitars ship with a custom fit Ameritage case and its patented Humidity Control System. I continue to be very impressed with the quality of these cases. They look beautiful and are built to very high standards --- without a doubt, one of the nicer cases on the market. I also include a Caliber III hygrometer than I calibrate here at my shop to ensure your humidity readings are accurate. Please note that Calton Cases are an available option.
Premium Materials and Workmanship
I am a dedicated perfectionist and it has been my driving passion to build guitars at the very highest level. I pay considerable attention to the quality of my materials and have developed trusted sources in the industry that I can rely upon for premium tonewoods. Every pre-caution is taken to ensure that all raw materials are fully seasoned and inspected before use. I always maintain a constant 45% (industry standard) relative humidity in my shop and wood storage area. In my opinion, great customer service starts with a world-class guitar. I recognize the expense of purchasing one of my instruments and it is my commitment to the customer that their guitar will represent the very best I am capable of.
Stainless steel frets are superior to normal nickel/silver frets in terms of hardness and durability. The general assessment on SS fret longevity is that they can last a lifetime -- a huge improvement over normal fret wire. Stainless steel frets can also remain in a highly polished state because of their exceptional durability.
Double Sides
I build with double sides as in the tradition of concert quality classical guitars. Not only are there significant structural advantages to double sides (resistance to cracks and neck resets) but I believe there is potential for tonal improvement as well. The theory is that stiffness and rigidity help prevent the sides from wasting valuable vibrational energy and improve both volume and projection. To this end, reversed kerfing is used over traditonal triangular kerfing. Please Note: Double sides are not a cost cutting measure and should not be confused with the low-quality laminates found in entry-level guitars. On the contrary, double sides add more labor and expense to the build process.
Advanced Truss-Rod and Neck Stiffening System
I use a remarkably effective truss-rod (designed by Kevin Ryan) that produces a strong, stable, and controllable neck. The primary advantage of this design is its rigid frame and micro-adjustability. This is the best neck solution I have ever encountered -- in truth, a very brilliant system.
Innovative Bracing Design
I aim to build guitars that are vibrant, loud, and responsive -- producing a full, open tone with exceptional balance and clarity. In this effort, I have created a bracing design that allows the soundboard to remain very flexible but still have significant strength in key locations. For specific regions of the soundboard, I have adopted the use of a bracing innovation by classical guitar builders John and William Gilbert called T-Bracing. It is a slight departure from a traditional brace in that it looks like an upside-down letter “T”. In practical terms, T-Bracing allows me to achieve a very strong, lightweight brace with a wide footprint for gluing.
Polyester Finish
The finish must protect the instrument, be long-lasting, and not impede vibration. It is vital that the film thickness be as thin as possible -- nothing kills tone faster than a thick finish. I have experimented heavily with many finish types (French Polish, Varnish, Nitroceullose Lacquer, Water-Based Lacquers, and Urethane) and my preference by far is a Polyester finish. The Polyester guitar finish was pioneered by Taylor guitars and is the finish of choice for most high-end factory and boutique built instruments (Taylor, Larrivee, and Collings). There are also a number of innovative luthiers that use this finish type (Ryan, Olson, and a few others). The great advantage of Polyester finish is that it can be applied as a very thin film and still offer superior protection. Furthermore, the finish is highly resistant to a wide-array of solvents and does not degrade over time like Lacquer. Polyester is also very resistant to checking and damage due to rapid changes in temperature or humidity.
Ameritage Cases
All my guitars ship with a custom fit Ameritage case and its patented Humidity Control System. I continue to be very impressed with the quality of these cases. They look beautiful and are built to very high standards --- without a doubt, one of the nicer cases on the market. I also include a Caliber III hygrometer than I calibrate here at my shop to ensure your humidity readings are accurate. Please note that Calton Cases are an available option.
Premium Materials and Workmanship
I am a dedicated perfectionist and it has been my driving passion to build guitars at the very highest level. I pay considerable attention to the quality of my materials and have developed trusted sources in the industry that I can rely upon for premium tonewoods. Every pre-caution is taken to ensure that all raw materials are fully seasoned and inspected before use. I always maintain a constant 45% (industry standard) relative humidity in my shop and wood storage area. In my opinion, great customer service starts with a world-class guitar. I recognize the expense of purchasing one of my instruments and it is my commitment to the customer that their guitar will represent the very best I am capable of.
Proceed to Optional Features and Appointments
