Author Archives: steve

About steve

Luthier in the northwest of the Northwest. Classical guitars, custom instruments, repairs and restorations.

Recordings from Ian Hill

Ian came to Blaine in 2014 to pick up his guitar, then he took it back to Vancouver. I attended a recital in which he played it. He posted a video. That’s Ian on the right, Saul Domingo Morales on … Continue reading

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A visit from another Steve

Steve Oliver has commissioned a guitar to be built. Actually I’m right in the middle of constructing it. He came to my workshop to visit and check the progress. Thanks for visiting, Mr Oliver. It’s a pleasure to share conversation … Continue reading

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Cedar top, 640 scale length, cut-away

Here is a quite nice instrument. Very easy to play. I wrote about it before on this blog. It is a sibling of the one I built for Pedro Cortes in 2019. It has been here all that time. I … Continue reading

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Rosette evolution

Brazilian background.

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Brazilian Rosewood takes over the shop so I can find the set I want.

Sometimes I just get out all my sets of rosewood and play with them… Sometimes I’m looking for specific attributes, size, color, figure. Today I pulled every set out and matched some backs and sides. Today I found a set … Continue reading

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Expressions of Appreciation

I do get letters/notes/emails/cards of appreciation from players of my guitars. I have a page on my website that shows many of them. They go back more than 20 years. Here’s the latest from the new owner of the guitar … Continue reading

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Preview of future attraction. Spruce and Amboyna burl.

Here’s a top, a very fine Euro spruce, joined and with rosette inlaid. Amboyna burl background….

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New Guitar – Hello, Goodbye

About as soon as they are born, they leave. The conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn happened in December 2020. The guitar “Conjunction” is a blend. A combination of many elements. Jazz, Flamenco, Classical. Also, a team effort with the customer. … Continue reading

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Brandenburg Concerto No 3. BWV 1048 by the Vancouver Guitar Orchestra

I go crazy in love with the Brandenburgs. This is a fun rendition of the Allegro to the 3rd Brandenburg. This should lift somebody’s spirits. The video was put together by Anna Pietrzak. She arranged the music for the Vancouver … Continue reading

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50 years since I built my first Ganz Guitar

The year was 1970. I’m playing hookie from school at Arizona State University. I had a friend whose brother played guitar in a rock band. He was a real cool dood. Lots of hair and patchuli oil, and a good … Continue reading

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