I built my first guitar in 2004 from a Stew Mac kit set, and as rough as it was, it set my passion for lutherie alight.  Starting with Jonathan Kinkaid's book, and reaching out to all the instrument makers I could find over the years ( before social media ), I made many guitars which I gave to friends and family. After almost ten years they felt good enough to sell and I began to get some commissions. I have built many guitars with New Zealand native woods and traditional tonewoods over the years. Now in my 20th year making guitars, I live and work from my home in Ahipara, New Zealand with my wife and two children.

The Shop

Beginning with the shop, I have built it for the sole purpose of guitar making and finishing. It is insulated and climate-controlled with a wood-burning stove, air circulation, natural heat from the north-facing windows and high ceiling. It is primarily operated from solar power but I also use a backup generator. I use a commercial dehumidifier and air conditioning units to maintain 40-50% RH.

Tone Wood

My wood selection and interest has varied over the years so I have a wide range of NZ native and traditional guitar making tone woods. Now, I am primarily building with Sitka and Adirondack Spruce , Black Acacia, Ancient Kauri, Pau Ferro, and Sapele.

 Top Construction

My soundboards are built with a 40’’ radius and I use variations of the traditional X-brace pattern. My approach to voicing the braces has slowly evolved over the years with my understanding of the subtle changes the shapes, tappers and scallops can have on the guitars voice. All soundboard braces are attached using hot hide glue.

Back and Sides

I build active back guitars and use a 20” radius with Sitka Spruce for all braces on the back and sides. The braces are all glued with hot hide glue. I put much attention into the voicing of the back just as I do the top.

Neck Joint

I use a traditional dovetail with truss rod access through the soundhole. The design is simple and reliable. I appreciate that there are many modern alternatives like the bolt-on tenon and even the recessed fingerboard extension block, but I do believe every component has an effect on the tone and feel of a guitar. After more than150 guitars I have made many small changes in the evolution of my current preference.

Glues

I use hot hide glue for all my braces, neck join, fingerboard extension, plates to the rim and bridge. I use Titebond for everything else.

Finish

All my guitars are finished with nitrocellulose lacquer. I use a two-part polyurethane as my sealer. I do all my own finish work myself, including sunbursts which have become a favorite from my shop. After the lacquer has been applied and cured I wet sand the guitar by hand through 3000 grit before putting it on the buffing wheel. After three different fine dry compounds on the buffer, I hand buff with cotton until I have a mirror gloss finish. My finishes are thin with a total thickness of 0.005 ‘‘.