I started building instruments with a desire to recreate the magic that happens with successfully built handcrafted instruments. Having played guitar for many years, I would constantly go to music stores and try out instruments looking for that special combination. My luthier quest began long ago with a background in woodworking, then developed from a need to do repair work. After studiously dissecting my own instruments, I was lucky enough to meet Steve Holst of Holst guitars who specializes in arch top guitars and mandolins. Steve does everything by hand in a tiny shop and therefore has incredible talent in bringing an instruments voice to life. It was an integral lesson in voicing, arch tops, lamination techniques, all the way to making our own kerfing.
After building a few of my own guitars, I knew I had stumbled upon some qualities that were lacking in the instruments I played in boutique guitar shops. During my travels I discovered Kopp Guitars. It was a pivotal moment because, up to that point, I thought I knew what a proper guitar sounded and played like. When I picked up a Kopp for the first time, I understood what it meant to be presented with an instrument made by a master luthier. It was dynamic, raw, consistent and a tool that I could rely on. This was the benchmark. I met up with Kevin Kopp and talked my way into working alongside him. I've been in the Kopp shop since 2017. To say I've learned a lot doesn't do any justice to the complexities involved in creating world class instruments. It's a combination of intuition, experience, an exceptional design and having access to the best materials available.