Historical Figures & Musical Influence

Imagine the first time you heard a guitar riff that sent shivers down your spine—a sound so electrifying it seemed to bend the very fabric of rock itself. For many, that moment was ignited by the unmistakable genius of Michael Schenker. As someone who has spent decades immersed in guitar culture, few names inspire more … Read more

Envision a world where the rich, resonant tones of an electric guitar were but a distant dream. This was the realm of musicians before the 1930s, before the invention that would transform the soundscape forever—the Frying Pan guitar. As a luthier deeply invested in the evolution of electric instruments, I’ve been captivated by how this … Read more

Imagine hearing a jazz guitarist whose fingers dance across the strings, bringing notes alive in a way you never thought possible. That was my first encounter with the legendary Barney Kessel’s guitar—a moment that profoundly altered my perception of music and ignited a passion for deeper exploration. Born amid the dust storms of Muskogee, Oklahoma, … Read more

Imagine standing in a bustling concert hall in the mid-20th century, the air electric with anticipation. A silhouette steps into the spotlight, and as the first notes dance from his guitar, a profound shift occurs in the world of music—welcome to the magic of Barney Kessel. As someone deeply immersed in the world of jazz … Read more

Few moments define a musician’s path more poignantly than the unlikely discovery of a second-hand guitar that somehow finds its way into their hands. Such was the beginning of Loretta Lynn’s journey—a young woman navigating the tangled ropes of Appalachia, her guitar a lifeline and catalyst for what was to come. Many know her as … Read more

The first time I held Ritchie Valens’ Fender Stratocaster, I felt a surge of electricity course through my veins. It was as if the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll itself resided within those six strings. As I strummed the opening chords to “La Bamba,” I couldn’t help but wonder: how did this guitar shape the … Read more