introduction to archtop luthier Holst

Like many luthiers, I spent quite a bit of time involved with repair and restoration work early in my career. These experiences were invaluable in helping me understand the complex variables involved with instrument construction and have influenced my work deeply. Wonderful older Gibsons, Epiphones, and D'Angelicos were available for close scrutiny and evaluation through this process. In the early nineties, as orders for my instruments increased, I decided to limit the repair work I did to Holst instruments and other interesting projects. Currently I make between 8 and 10 guitars and mandolins per year in my shop in Oregon's beautiful Willamette Valley.

By working full time by myself I am able to meticulously construct each instrument on an individual basis. This approach allows me to focus on extremely specific variables, controlling them to complement the finished piece and the customer's need for tonality and responsiveness. The result is a truly custom instrument.

Each guitar and mandolin I make reflects the specific needs and wishes of its owner. This manifests itself in the form of custom neck widths and shapes, special finish colors, choice of scale lengths and fingerboard radius, unique and personal inlay designs, and above all, the appropriate response, tone, and feel that is desired. I am also always open to discussing unusual projects such as custom body shapes, custom visual themes, and multi-string instruments.

It's my sincere desire to provide every customer with not only a beautifully crafted guitar or mandolin, but to furnish them with an instrument that will allow them to fully explore their own musical expressions and ideas. All of my model descriptions are starting points from which a customer's unique and individual instrument is based upon. I am not interested in selling standard models that are rigid in their specifications. Each instrument I make is a collaboration between the customer and myself. This method, while being time intensive, leads to far greater happiness with the finished product for both me and its new owner. I pride myself on the relationships that I've developed with my customers, many of whom remain in regular contact with me and have placed multiple orders. I invite you to discuss with me your own special needs for a guitar or mandolin.