Domestic Woods
I use domestic woods where possible such as Walnut, Maple, and Myrtle for backs and sides, Sitka Spruce or Western Red Cedar for tops, and Holly for inlays. I use Honduran Mahogany for necks and Ebony for fretboards.
Traditional Methods
I use traditional methods for construction. I use CNC technology only where precision is important to fnished quality and sound.
French Polish hand finishing
I finish each guitar using a method known as “french polishing” which entails applying several layers of thinly cut shellac mixed with a small amount of mineral oil as a lubricant using a linen pad. This is a very traditional finishing technique used historically by violin makers.
