Concert Muse

My Concert Muse is modeled after a well-known vintage size and shape, and is as familiar as granny's quilt. There is a sweetness and clarity to the tone that will invite your muse to show up and deliver inspiration. The beautiful presence and sustain will communicate your best to your listeners. This is a very comfortable guitar to play, and despite its smaller size, it has the perfect amount bass. Players call them responsive and enjoy the dynamic range and nuance.

"What a wonderful (Concert Muse) you have made for your 100th guitar... I tuned it up to DADGAD and could hardly stop playing it. The tone is loud, bright, and complex. Tons of sustain. And pretty well balanced for a brand new guitar. This one is fun to play right out of the box! The setup is ideal and the neck feels like an old friend."

Michael Bartlett

Venus Model

When I started building, I had the good fortune of apprenticing with a violin maker who was versed in the use of Eigen modes for violin family instruments. I'm not big on the patience required to experiment. So I listen. And I wait. I learned the bare basics of what to carve away and why, but I was the most affected by the outcome. When the instrument was right, the focus was astounding. I learned that I could hear that focus in the bracing and voicing process.

The little Venus started out as an answer to the traditional shape of the OO-styled Concert Muse. I started with the Muse, and I rounded out that flat butt. I followed the lines in a beautiful way and decided to trim a little of the visual bulk and place the bridge where I wanted it. Suddenly I was looking at a small-bodied version of another builder's guitar. I will change direction if there is objection, but for now I will call it a happy accident. So there you have it. I finally built a prototype.

My first Venus turned out to sound great, but it will need refinement. The first change will be in how it sits in your lap, but visually it will change very little. The things that won't be changing are the parts that directly affect the voice. This is the first guitar body I've made that favors the fundamental this much. The focus is captivating. Her voice is gorgeous.