Acoustics

That special relationship between a guitar and its player begins in the ear. If it sounds just right, the response of each string's orbit, the way each note reaches the senses, the complexities of all the tones moving in waves into music's infinite variations, all comes from its acoustic foundation. 

Design

As form follows function, so design follows acoustic response. Guitars are a complex array of physical components that respond to its vibratory energy. Special materials, carefully crafted structure, attention to detail, artistic motif, and even a story told in marquetry, drive the design to be integral with the tone.

Playability

If it doesn't feel right in the hand, with each string meeting the individual span of the fingers, enabling any chord to be played in comfort, making playing as easy as it can be for the player's style, it doesn't qualify as the guitar it was meant to be. Playability optimizes the player. 

Aesthetics

It's not just about how a guitar sounds, or plays. It's also very much about how it looks. A carefully articulated combination of beautiful woods, an interesting palette, intricate embellishments, immaculate details and a glistening finish, combine to tell a story and complete a guitar's meaning.

Understanding action and tone from a players perspective, I've specialized in high-end acoustically responsive guitars since 1970. My current focus is on steel string action, timbre, sustain, and balance. Each guitar can have its own custom story relating to something personal or aesthetic motif. Embellishments vary according to need and taste. I received an MFA from Rhode Island School of Design in 1979, with a twofold focus on Industrial Design and Furniture Design.  Recently, I spent immersive time with Ervin Somogyi and James Olson, for which I am deeply grateful.  

This circa 1920s Stella guitar belonged to the grandfather of the client who brought it to me. It was tattered and falling apart. Top and back were separated and the braces were falling apart. Bridge was way high, and the instrument was unplayable. The photo shows the guitar after it was restored.