What’s The Story?
Life has a weird, wonderful and convoluted way of leading you to where you are meant to be. In 2012 my journey brought me (along with my family) to Denver, CO.
And then my prized Martin D-28P guitar developed a crack! (I was still blissfully ignorant to the fact that Denver has a semi-arid climate with very low humidity and as a result it is highly advisable to humidify your instrument.)
Anyway, that crack led me to Victor Guitar seeking repair and from there to the back of the shop and the Colorado School of Lutherie.
In the Fall/Autumn of 2018 I undertook an 18 week evening course class to build my very own dreadnought guitar. I was hooked. The following year I embarked on a more intensive 3-month long internship under the amazing mentorship of Tom Hunter-Crump (Emory Guitars) and the wise and watchful eye of Edward Victor Dick (Victor Guitars).
During this time I was not only able to design and build a number of beautiful acoustic guitars (a Martin style single 0 Parlor and an OM, as well as a 1930’s Gibson-inspired 00 model), I was also able to experience the wonderfully collaborative and co-operative work environment and soak up wisdom and knowledge from everyone there (a particularly huge thank you to the kind & helpful Michael Stewart of All Four Guitars who not only blows me away with his amazing craft but his constant willingness to share).
What’s In A Name?
The Great Green Guitars name was born from a love of alliteration, obviously, but in all reality was inspired by a vacation to the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica in the summer of 2019.
More specifically a visit to the the Ara Project in Manzanillo, a conservation initiative dedicated to restoring the decimated Great Green Macaw population in the region. The beauty and majesty of these birds in their natural habitat is breathtaking - unfortunately deforestation and logging of Almendro trees, is causing the Great Green to lose its habitat, and thus the species has become endangered.
This particular visit and the general awe-inspiring beauty of the rain forest, galvanized me to more strongly think about sustainability as a goal in my guitar building. As a first step, I intend to investigate using, where possible, alternative tone woods that are not yet endangered or threatened for my custom guitars. In addition 10% of the profits from my custom guitar building will be donated to the Ara Project.
What’s Next?
Of course the story does not end there, rather this is just beginning. I will be happy to talk to you about ideas for your very own unique, custom guitar - a guitar that will be lovingly designed to fit your own personal aesthetic (style, tone woods, bindings, custom inlay, neck shape), one that will be hand crafted, voiced and set-up to match your individual playing style. The sky is limit, so feel free to come and be part of the story!