After being seduced into music by Jimi Hendrix and the blues and later jazz, country and pop, I wanted to make my guitar feel and sound better. My curiosity about music and guitars led to much tinkering and experimenting on my own instruments.
While pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ, I apprenticed under luthier Jerry Korkki at JK Guitars. Jerry has over 20 years in lutherie, and has made custom pieces for Jeff Skunk Baxter and Bert Campbell of Toucan Eddie, among others. During this time I also played a lot of gigs (somewhere around 500…) doing modern and jump blues, hard and post bop, big band jazz, classic and modern rock and made a full length CD with Sancho Clemente, a college dance latin funk rock band.
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After being seduced into music by Jimi Hendrix and the blues and later jazz, country and pop, I wanted to make my guitar feel and sound better. My curiosity about music and guitars led to much tinkering and experimenting on my own instruments.
While pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ, I apprenticed under luthier Jerry Korkki at JK Guitars. Jerry has over 20 years in lutherie, and has made custom pieces for Jeff Skunk Baxter and Bert Campbell of Toucan Eddie, among others. During this time I also played a lot of gigs (somewhere around 500…) doing modern and jump blues, hard and post bop, big band jazz, classic and modern rock and made a full length CD with Sancho Clemente, a college dance latin funk rock band.
Upon completion of my BA, I attended Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery where I built an OM style acoustic, a set neck semi-hollow Tele style electric and my first custom order, a 5 string bass in addition to refining some repair techniques.
After Roberto-Venn, I went to work for Paul Reed Smith Guitars, Ltd. While learning more about production, design and finishing, I befriended John Ingram, PRS’ warranty/repairman. John has been with Paul Smith since the West Street loft days (1980?) and has a hand in the R & D as well as Private Stock and artist instruments.
While at PRS, I started repairing instruments for Master Musicians. This grew into a full time shop at this location. As of January 2002, I am achieving my dream of operating my own independant repair shop. As part of my continuing education in lutherie, I am a member of both the Guild of American Luthiers and the Association of String Instrument Artisans.
Hours are by appointment.
I like to know when to expect folks so that I can give ‘em my full attention.
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