The History Of
I started in 1987 with a good attitude and a sketch of a fish with a guitar neck coming out of its mouth, drawn on the back of a library catalog card. Basic instruction came from Tom Wheeler's The guitar Book. Rev.ed. Harper & Row, 1978. I carved the top out of three pieces of oak barnsiding I'd been using for bookshelves and glued them to a redwood plank I found in the basement. I used three flat chisels bought at Odd Lots and one other I paid full price for at True Value. My pop gave me a nice big box full of dental tools that I put to good use.I had and continue to have some good friends at Stewart Macdonald who gave me some good advice and cautious encouragement. It's been a mutually beneficial relationship. Thanks guys.
Today I use a nice basic set of real hand carving chisels and simple small shop hand & power tools. I'm now averaging about 3 guitars a year.
My first guitar had a carved headstock, but the others made before '93 didn't. Then one day, Fender, realizing I was wasting a great opportunity to create an entirely unified vision, threatened to sue me unless all the headstocks were carved up and looking cool. I've done it and I'm glad. In addition to making some great amps, they like to help out the little guy in their way.
In 1995 I introduced my first model line, the Boots & Saddles guitars. They come with the basic stock features of the popular 2 pickup solid bodies made in Southern California that are so popular in Country & Western music. The theme remains the same on each, though each is still unique in its color, appointments, and details. The edition will be limited to 12, so sign up now buckaroos.
The years 2000-2001 stated out very productively beginning with collector John Teti's commission for one guitar for each sign of the zodiak. See Aries and Taurus completed. Look for more in the series when the economy bounces back. See also my first baratone guitar, done in the boots and saddles style, finised in June 01. (Pictures on the way)