About
Delicately balancing tone and structural integrity, each instrument is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Using only the highest quality materials available, traditional methods, and hand tools, every instrument built is unique and individual. I spent a number of years under apprenticeship to internationally renowned guitar maker Sergei de Jonge and can consequentially trace my pedagogical roots back to such historical figures as Marcello Barbero and Jose Ramirez. Generous with the wisdom he has gleaned from years in the art, truly inspirational are about the only words that suit Sergei, and I am very honoured and eternally grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him.
With a background in classical music and orchestral stringed instruments, I was a youth that exhibited a significant musical talent. I began studying the violin at the age of three and from that point on it became the focus of my childhood. Amongst my peers I was the only twelve year old with a favourite recording of Bach’s “Violin Sonatas and Partitas”. This study of music eventually led me to join a performance group and for a number of years toured internationally. Eventually, I found my way to post secondary education and studied: philosophy, literature, poetry, and art history. I draw a lot of inspiration for my instruments from great artists of the past and much of my design aesthetic has its foundation in artistic paradigm. During my early twenties I discovered the classical guitar and it has become my predominant muse.
I generally use one of three top bracing patterns: a traditional Torres inspired fan, an all wood lattice, or my own adaptation of a fan bracing. The pattern is selected based on the desired tonal palette of the instrument. Regardless of the bracing pattern my instruments aim to provide a powerful projection, clear note distinction, and balance between the strings.
Every instrument receives my undivided attention and as a guitar maker I concern myself with the playability, ergonomics, and intonation of the instrument. Every neck is hand carved and shaped till perfection, each fret carefully worked to allow ease of playability, and every string properly compensated to ensure proper intonation. My goal is to inspire the player and provide the artist with the medium to express themselves unencumbered and to their fullest potential.