BODY - I tend to use woods that are not commonly used for guitars. Most big name guitars are made from flawless slabs of maple, mahogany, alder or ash. I use flawed pieces of maple, mahogany, alder and ash... as well as other woods not generally associated with guitars such as oak, pine, hackberry and kauri. The natural beauty of wood really appeals to me, as do some of the inherent flaws in wood such as small cracks, knots, sap lines and worm holes. As long as it does not affect the stability of the guitar I will use almost any piece of wood. I try to ensure that my guitar bodies possess as much natural beauty as possible.

NECKS - I have made necks from maple and mahogany, and fingerboards from maple and rosewood. Mahogany is my preference for necks due to its stability and workability. In the past I have sometimes used pre-made necks and neck kits as a time saving measure. I can build twice as many guitars in a year if I use pre-made necks, but my ultimate goal is to eventually make all necks myself even though it will mean building fewer guitars.

FINISH - Although I happen to own a few guitars with thick 'plastic' finishes, I do not like that kind of finish and you will never get that kind of a finish from me. I like to show off the wood so I use mainly water based stains and clear coats so that the natural beauty (and flaws) of the wood are enhanced, not hidden. I do not own any professional spraying equipment so most of my finishes are applied by hand and sometimes you can tell. I do not try to achieve high gloss factory finishes.

PICKUPS - For 6 string electric guitars my preference is to use pickups made by my friend Mike Turk of Bracebridge, Ontario. They are custom made for each guitar, they are very high quality and they sound fantastic. For bass guitars and other specialty instruments I have suppliers that can provide whatever I need for the particular project, including good quality generic pickups for customers on a budget.

HARDWARE - I do not build a lot of guitars in a year, so I seldom get volume discounts on the parts I buy. I have a few sources for very good quality (albeit generic) hardware and occasionally get a great deal on name brand hardware if I buy in bulk. I only use chrome or nickel hardware. I will not use gold hardware so don't even ask.

OTHER DETAILS - Each guitar is individually stamped with a serial number in the neck pocket of the body and on the heel on the neck (the neck needs to be removed to see either one). Control cavities are shielded with light gauge brass plating. All guitars are strung with high quality 10/46 gauge nickel steel strings that I buy in bulk. If you prefer a different gauge of string I will gladly accommodate you as long as I know right from the start. Occasionally I buy name brand strings if I am able to get them for a deal.

FINALLY - Every guitar I build is unique. No two guitars have ever been, or ever will be exactly the same. Although I always start out with a basic sketch, I seldom work from plans. This way I can be creative and let my mood dictate what direction the project will go. And even when I have things mapped out in my mind in advance, things change as the project evolves. Like I mentioned before, I consider the guitar to be a piece of art which can evolve and change during the building process. You won't really know exactly what you are getting until you get it.

As long as you can accept this philosophy, I am sure we will get along fine.