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#1
10-31-2010, 07:23 AM
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Custom Acoustic Builds
Hey Fellas,
New member here. I'm looking for your advice on selecting a luthier (or two) for two, maybe three custom acoustic builds. I recently had my first custom acoustic guitar on order from master craftsman, Taku Sakashta. As you may or may not be aware, he was murdered in his shop several months back - an absolutely terrible story. He was a master luthier, and a wonderful person, may he rest in peace. I am looking to have my guitars built by the best of the best, for sure - no compromise here. My own personal preference is to have the guitars built by a shop owned and operated by a single luthier. I own over 50 hi-end electrics both solid body and hollow, as well as archtops, and I have come to appreciate, the tone, playability, fit, finish and attention to detail I have personally experienced from hi-end, single person boutique shops. Further, I have found that I enjoy supporting those artists who put their heart and soul into their creations. A few luthiers that I am interested in are James Olsen, Kevin Ryan and Linda Manzer. Price and build time are not an issue for me (I'm waiting almost two years now for four electric guitars from Michael Stevens). I would appreciate hearing your suggestions for other possible luthiers that I might research and consider. I thank you guys in advance for your help, and I will look forward to your replies. All The Best !! Tom Costigan 
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#2
10-31-2010, 08:23 AM
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Quote:
IMHO you've got to look at Bruce Sexauer (http://www.sexauerluthier.com/) and Howard Klepper. (http://www.klepperguitars.com/)
__________________
woody b politically incorrect since 1964
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#3
10-31-2010, 08:37 AM
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selling it all...
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#4
10-31-2010, 08:56 AM
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Definitely check out Don Sharp's work www.sharpguitars.com . He builds along the lines of Olson and was trained in voicing by Ervin Somogyi. He's a great guy and a fabulous person to work with.
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#5
10-31-2010, 09:26 AM
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PM Sent. Olsons are amazing guitars. He is my favorite luthier, his work is stellar, he is great to work with, and there is no going wrong with an Olson. They also hold their values exceedingly well. Check out the build thread of my Olson #1301: http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=168336
Ryans also hold their values pretty well. If going with a Ryan, go with a signature series. They really pull out all the stops on those. The signature series Nightingale I have is really quality on par and sonically speaking with that of my Brazilian Olson SJ #1301. The next guitar in my future is a Howard Klepper Pernambuco dread. Howard is an exceptional talent and is a uber-intellect that has historically built very high quality extremely artistic instruments. He is very innovative in his bracing and utilization of materials that result in an exceptional sounding guitar based on all that I have heard. My Pernambuco guitar (Pernambuco which is a rare unobtainable tonewood from Brazil that is not able to be exported has historically been used in the finest violin bows because of its exceptional sonic properties that are reported to exceed that of Brazilian, but rarely grows in sizes that would work for guitars) will be an instrument that is less artful that what Howard typically builds but will showcase his exceptional talent in a functional instrument that was designed to be played. Definitely look seriously at Klepperguitars.com or consider having Jim Olson build you his signature SJ Brazilian/Cedar, and have Howard build you a Pernambuco guitar of a slightly different model, maybe a dread as I am doing. Would be fun to have Howard build our two guitars at the same time. Mine should start in about 2 months.
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A brand new duet I wrote with my daughter: https://youtu.be/u0hRB7fYaZU Olson Brazilian Dread #1325 Olson Brazilian SJ #1350 Olson Tiger Myrtle Dread #1355 Olson Brazilian Jumbo #1351 Olson 12-string Jumbo (one of only a few) Martin D-42 Johnny Cash #51/200 (only 80 made) And a few others  Quite a few limited edition and rare Martins ----------------- http://www.kekomusic.com Last edited by cpabolting; 10-31-2010 at 09:36 AM.
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#6
10-31-2010, 10:16 AM
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I would take a gander at the luthiers represented by Luthier's Collection --- www.luthierscollection.com. Some of my favorite builders are on there including: Somogyi, Traugott, Kraut, Matsuda, and several others that are just extraordinary.
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#7
10-31-2010, 10:44 AM
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Quote:
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"Still a man hears what he wants to hear, and disregards the rest." --Paul Simon
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#8
10-31-2010, 10:57 AM
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I had a guitar built by John Slobod. The build thread is here http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...ighlight=circa.
I've had the guitar for about 6 months, it is a joy to play. I would reccomend you take a look at his guitars.
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My YouTube Page
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#9
10-31-2010, 12:10 PM
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Hi Tom,
Welcome to the AGF! This is a wonderful community with some extremely warm and friendly people. The list so far has some wonderful suggestions. I know everyone's opinion is different but here are a couple i'd recommend if I were in your shoes... Tom Doerr David Taylor (DT Guitars) Tony Vines Batson Guitars Laurie Williams Paul Woolson Lance Kragenbrink Michael Greenfield Kindly, Danny
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#10
10-31-2010, 12:22 PM
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Quote:
Steve
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Still crazy after all these years.
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#11
10-31-2010, 12:58 PM
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In that rarified price range, I would also add Michi Matsuda and Kathy Wingert.
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#12
10-31-2010, 01:51 PM
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Welcome to the AGF!
If you truly want some special guitars you can't go wrong with James Olson or Kevin Ryan. For sure 2 awesome builders!
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_______________________ Peter M. Cornerstone Guitars www.cornerstoneguitar.com Ukuleles... www.cornerstoneukes.com
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#13
10-31-2010, 02:04 PM
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Quote:
__________________
Chuck 2012 Carruth 12-fret 000 in Pernambuco and Adi 2010 Poling Sierra in Cuban Mahogany and Lutz 2015 Posch 13-fret 00 in Indian Rosewood and Adi
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#15
10-31-2010, 10:49 PM
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Quote:
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