Construction
I have several objectives that I strive to achieve in the guitars that I build. One of the most important factors for me is a balanced guitar, both across the strings and up and down the fret board. Unlike traditional guitars, I build using a compensated nut and saddle which allows my guitars to be accurately intonated.
Using a double top design allows for a very powerful guitar with a lot of sustain. My double tops consist of an outer and inner skin of wood with a core of Nomex. My tops are around the same thickness as a traditional top but are much lighter, more flexible, and stronger resulting in more volume and a fuller sound. Combined with laminated sides and solid linings for the top and back has made a real improvement in this area. Sound ports can also be added which in my experience not only allows the player to hear the guitar better, it seems to open the guitar up and increase the volume to the audience as well.
Another important aspect is the playability of a guitar. One comment that I always seem to hear is that my guitars have a comfortable neck and are easy to play. Using the elevated fingerboard design gives the player much better access to the upper fret positions.
My guitars are constructed using the best materials and adhesives available. The shop is maintained at around 45% humidity year round and I build using traditional ornamentation. All of the guitars are completed with the traditional finish of shellac. French Polished instruments sound better as a result of this process and shellac is a very easy finish to repair. French polishing enhances the natural colors of the wood and develops a beautiful patina over time.
As of 2010, all of my guitars have a two-way adjustable truss rod in the neck. One of the drawbacks of a guitar with a truss rod is the player must loosen the strings and reach into the guitar and estimate how much of an adjustment to make. My design allows the player to make adjustments without reaching into the guitar or loosening the strings. Here are a couple of pictures.
