Still River Guitar

I had a tour of luthier Richard Young's  Still River Guitars shop.

Rich was trained by a Russian master craftsman and  specializes in creating Hauser classical guitars.

He manufactures and repairs stringed instruments, including banjos and mandolins.

He is also a teaching luthier. 

 Passing his knowledge to others

 while allowing individuality

A student's design hand cut mother of pearl rosette.

and creativity.

 His shop is geared to hand work.

Machines are used for cabinetry  

 and perhaps repairs.

But guitar backs are ripped by hand saw

from storied logs.

 Each guitar is a novel

of materials, memories, and individuality.

 French polish is a time consuming

and tranquil meditation.

Book matching!

Matched parts and designs are sublime,

Headstock laminated to echo the back's markings.

 as are the tools

 and the artist

that cut each individual chevron  

!click this pic to see the detail!

 for this bridge. 

There are guitars, 

exquisite wood, 

 and unique tools

 throughout the shop. 

It is a craftsman's paradise, creating guitarists' dreams.