Some 40 years ago my fascination was captured by a “taterbug” mandolin hanging on the wall of my college professor. I was powerless to resist copying it!
Soon to follow were several “flatiron” mandolins and other instruments. I was hooked.
In 2001, I built my first carved instrument. I became possessed. After studying and playing mandolins from the classic Gibson oval holes and Loars to their modern copies, I fell in awe of the beauty and complexity of the art form begun by Orville Gibson in the late 1800s: The arch-top A and F-style mandolin.
Over the years I’ve built many other instruments on request, including acoustic steel-string guitars, electric guitars, resophonic guitars and ukuleles. Each place I’ve lived: Indiana, Uganda, Michigan, Texas, and Tanzania, I’ve always used local woods and collaborated with local luthiers.
I particularly enjoy the process of co-creating with a customer, incorporating their ideas to produce unique instruments of visual and sonic beauty. Having recently moved to the Pacific Northwest, I look forward to continuing that tradition in this environment.
