Biography
I have been building fine concert classical guitars since 1991.
In that time, I have had much success and very few failures. I've
had lots of help along the way, and would like to acknowledge the
following makers for their contributions to my knowledge base.
Jose Matta was my first "teacher" and
has become a good friend as well. Jose is a retired engineer, who
fell in love with the classical guitar at an early age, and started
making fine guitars some twenty years ago. Also, I would like to
acknowledge Robert Ruck, for his tremendous help in the early and
continuing years. Finally, I received some critical knowledge from
Jeffrey Elliott, Cynthia Burton, Augustino LoPrinzi, Elman Concepcion
and Ervin Somogyi, to all of whom I am deeply grateful. A special
thanks to my dear friend Gene Duncan, who has encouraged me from
the beginning and continues to uplift my spirit daily. Without his
friendship I would be lost.
I was very fortunate to meet the legendary classical
guitar maker, Manuel Velazquez, in 1992. It is through his teachings
and encouragement that I have become a guitar maker. Maestro Velazquez
has shown me, through his own instruments, what qualities a great
guitar should possess.
With maestro Velazquez' teachings always in mind,
I go about my daily work, attempting to build world class instruments,
in the style of Torres, Hauser, and Santos Hernandez. The work that
I do is not easy, and that's what I like about it.
I am continually challenging myself in the difficult
work that I do, never being satisfied with my past accomplishments,
but always looking towards the future, and what new challenges might
lie ahead. I never build the exact same guitar twice, trying continually
to improve my work based on past experiences. Each guitar is an
entity in itself, entirely unique, one of a kind. Working in this
manner gives me much freedom to make changes as I see fit. I usually
let the wood lead me in the right direction.
I have studied many fine guitars from past and
present makers, and this has become my main avenue of education.
I'm continually surrounded by the guitar! Each night I go to bed
dreaming of the next days accomplishments and what might be possible.
Engulfed in my work each new day, I appreciate
every minute spent at the workbench, surrounded by many precious
woods. I am forever grateful to my beautiful wife, Teresa, for letting
me share my love for this wonderful instrument with the rest of
the world.
|
|
Priceless Brazilian rosewood |
Custom design request |
|
|
Bob and his daughter, Elizabeth
Bob's 2001 holiday card
Desmond's details
|