I build Flamenco and Classical guitars in the Spanish tradition. I construct the instruments with tone woods favored by generations of Spanish makers for the qualities of sound those woods bring out in the instrument. The outline patterns, rosette inlay motifs, headstocks and heel carvings are my designs, based on an in-depth study of the styles of the Spanish masters.
In addition to building traditional Flamenco guitars, I offer some modern innovations currently used both in the United States and Spain, including sound ports, laminated internal liners and variations in back bracing design.

I learned the art and craft of guitar making from the advice and guidance of several notable builders. Eugene Clark was kind and patient enough to introduce me to the aesthetics and traditional building methods of the Spanish school. By visiting at his workbench he helped me to understand how Spanish guitars are constructed. He generously shared much of his knowledge with me. Master Spanish guitar constructors who’s work I have had the opportunity to study in depth Santos Hernandez, Gerundino Fernandez, Manuel de La Chica, Francisco Barba Faustino Conde and many others. Contact with guitars by these makers has shaped my personal approach to making flamenco guitars.

Although many Bay Area guitarists and builders have helped me to refine and focus my love for Flamenco,. I realized I both wanted and needed to go to Spain there and immerse myself in Flamenco culture. During two separate visits to Spain, I was privileged to enjoy performances by some of Andalucias most famous and talented contemporary Flamenco singers, guitarists and dancers, performing in a wide variety of both public and private settings. There, in the cradle of Andalusia, the powerful and seductive voice of Flamenco found its way into the deepest recesses of my heart.

While I’m not a guitarist in the professsional sense, in order to gain a working knowledge of both Flamenco and the guitars that give it its singular voice, I’ve studied with several fine flamenco guitarists both in Spain and in the United States, including David Serva, Juan del Gastor, Antonio Moya, Chuscales, Paco de Malaga, Keni Parker, Jason McGuire, David Gutierrez . I thank them all for the knowledge and wisdom they’ve passed on to me.