Upcoming Builder: Joel Stehr

We are looking forward to working with builder Joel Stehr in 2012 on bringing you a custom acoustic guitar unlike many you will find on this site or others.  Joel's unique combination of woods, intricate detail work using those woods and quality craftsmanship give the world an instrument with unique and beautiful aesthetic and voice - but still gives the same familiar satisfaction of playing a more traditional guitar.  For more information, go to StehrGuitars.com or hear from Joel by reading below: 

Creativity. Design. Craftsmanship. When these skills are applied to some of Mother Nature's finest woods to shape an instrument, you have my definition of an acoustic guitar. Not coincidentally, creativity, design, craftsmanship, wood and making music define significant elements of my life and livelihood as well.

I began my journey into the lutherie world in 2000 because it afforded me the opportunity to shape the most amazing woods on the planet into art objects that display the wood's aesthetic and acoustic beauty. Even better, I now have the opportunity to share the joy of making custom guitars with my customers: together, we can handpick each piece of specialty wood that goes into crafting a truly one-of-a-kind instrument.

As a mostly a self-taught luthier, my basic theory of building acoustic guitars came from books, magazines, DVDs, the internet, and feedback from seasoned luthiers. Synthesizing those theories and learning the practical how-to of building acoustic guitars, however, took place in the workshop of trial and error.

To augment my guitar building knowledge and skills I attended the American School of Lutherie in Portland, Oregon, with Master Luthier Charles Fox. Learning from the "dean of educators in the field of guitar making"--a man whose innovative techniques and ideas have single-handedly changed the way many modern luthiers build--was an enlightening, unforgettable, and skill-enhancing experience.

Making a guitar requires technical expertise and intuition; it is never merely a mathematical or scientific process. I build what feels right to me, allowing my senses and instincts to guide me to a finished instrument. The result is a source of pride for both the owner and me, the culmination of a shared vision that incorporates some of the best things in life into a custom guitar.

Check out Tim Reede in Meeting the Makers: Minnesota's Finest Guitar Builders

One of our builders, Tim Reede, has been included in John Fellman's book, Meeting the Makers: Minnesota's Finest Guitar Builders.  Check the book out on CoffeeTablePress.com or Amazon.

Meet Minnesota's great guitar builders through the lens of award winning photographer John Fellman. Get an inside look at the shops and process of Jim Olson, Charlie Hoffman, Brian Applegate, Lloyd Laplant, Mike Keller, Tim Reede and more! Compiled in this volume are the very best photographs from a six-month survey of the work and shops of the most notable builders in Minnesota, showcasing each of their unique approaches to work, shop and life. Light biographical information guides you through this image-rich introduction, containing over 300 beautiful (and informative) photographs.

"When John first asked me if I would allow him to come out to photograph my shop for a potential book I wasn't sure what he had in mind. It was evident that John had a different approach when I found him lying on his belly in the dust, camera in hand, seeking out the often overlooked corners of my shop-- hidden, cluttered, and dusty. I found it fascinating to look at the B&W photos of guitar parts, tools, and machinery as seen through his lens. I especially enjoyed seeing the other shops through his unique perspective. Areas and things that wouldn't normally catch ones attention are focused on in an artistic and captivating way. Well done John."
- Jim Olson, Olson Guitars

"John Fellman's book, Meeting the Makers: Minnesota's Finest Guitar Builders, is a beautiful book. An invitation to peek over the shoulders of Minnesota's guitar builders, Johns photographs present rarely seen glimpses into the brilliant world of true craftsman and their process. The photos are intimate, well-thought-out punctuations to a deeper conversation which unfolds in John's sensitive narrative. Both warm and informative, the stories here will make you feel like you've spent an afternoon over coffee with each man represented. Although I found out more about why I feel power and presence when I get to play any one of these instruments as a result of this book, to say that is all that is offered here would be to sell it short. If you love craft, imagination and a good conversation, this book will be a treasure for you."
- Robin Weber, Guitar Gallery