I made guitars - and some strange other instruments in high school back in 1967. That was back when resources were much harder to find, and there was just a book or two in the city library on the topic. My father let me take over his shop and mess it up.

I played the first 12 string I built throughout college for 10 years or so until it had a bad accident, and at the time I had no shop to repair it.  It was a long scale oversized lute shaped guitar with a one-piece mahogany top and a composite lute shaped back. 

 

Years passed and my old interest reverted to simple repairs and set ups, while I did not have the facilities and, as I later learned, the sophistication to make the fine instruments I make today. I pursued a career as a designer, contractor, builder, and artist,  and then I met my generous friend Tom Johnson, a nuclear plant engineer and exceptionally fine craftsman, who had been building fine guitars for years. I spent around six years shadowing this creative and talented builder.  I often occupied his workbench with my own projects, and did the requisite assisting, cleaning, interfering, and interrogating, with every extra hour I had. This was my apprenticeship.

 

Time and treasure and many guitars later, I’ve retired (mostly) to my full time passion, making and repairing fine guitars.  When I need a break I play them and write songs.  I’m a lucky guy.