Fareed Haque is a modern guitar virtuoso. Steeped in classical and jazz traditions, his unique command of the guitar and different musical styles inspire his musical ventures with tradition and fearless innovation. Haque has toured and recorded with Joe Zawinul, Billy Cobham, Dave Holland, Paquito D’Rivera, Sting, Zakir Hussain, Bob James, Joe Henderson and many…
The TransAtlantic Guitar Trio brings together three world-class virtuosos from three distinct musical traditions to form one of the most exhilarating acoustic ensembles performing today. Comprising UK fingerstyle guitar champion Richard Smith, German gypsy jazz titan Joscho Stephan, and the extraordinary Nashville-based multi-instrumentalist Rory Hoffman, this acoustic powerhouse seamlessly welds blazing gypsy swing standards, intricate…
Frank Vignola is one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing before the public today. His stunning virtuosity has made him the guitarist of choice for many of the world’s top musicians, including Ringo Starr, Madonna, Donald Fagen, John Lewis, Lionel Hampton, the Boston Pops, the New York Pops, and guitar legend Les Paul, who named…
Tom Ribbecke was born in Brookyln, New York Tom attended NYU Syracuse University Newhouse School of Communications and earned a BFA in Music and a BA in communications. He relocated to San Francisco in the early 70’s and opened his first lutherie shop in the Mission district. He is one of the premier archtop builders…
Philadelphia-based luthier Bill Comins began playing guitar at an early age, eventually going on to study jazz guitar at Temple University. His initial career as a working guitarist and private instructor led to a lifelong pursuit of exploring the intricacies of designing and building guitars with a special interest in archtop guitars. Guided by the…
Over the last 30 years, I’ve built my fair share of instruments. Each instrument has given me an opportunity to hone my craft and expand my skillset. Building completely unique instruments without any set models or guidelines has been challenging, but it has allowed me to offer something that most other manufacturers cannot: complete control over…
I was given my first guitar at the age of 13, and eventually I needed it set up. I brought it to Doug Proper, who initiated my interest in the world of working on guitars, not just playing them. He advised me to look for a course if I was serious in my desire to…
From a very young age I have had a desire to work with my hands. At 14, I combined my love of music and my passion for woodworking to build my first guitar. Since then, I have strived to make great guitars. I have been working to master my skills as a woodworker and craftsman…
Growing up around wood working and construction, I quickly learned that you didn’t have to buy things; you could make them! Add a love for music, art, and learning, lutherie became a way to challenge myself and remain engaged with my passions. I strive to not only produce instruments that keep myself interested, but also…
I build archtop Jazz guitars exclusively. Each instrument is hand-crafted here in my workshop. I use no prefabricated wooden parts, all parts are being made personally by me. I use only select woods that I choose myself from special suppliers. These woods are air-dried and stored for no less than five years. Only then do they posses the necessary quality…