Shop Philosophy

The ultimate goal at 12th Root Guitars is to put exceptional guitars in the hands of delighted clients. Aside from the tremendous gratification of producing a hand-built instrument, I believe that hand-built is the only way that a small scale shop such as mine can consistently meet the needs of prospective clients without adding a substantial overhead cost to the instruments.

With over 30 years experience in mechanical engineering and design for manufacturing, I am not fundamentally opposed to machine-made components. There can absolutely be a place for them in guitar production, even in the highest quality guitars. However, in my shop, all components are handmade and will be for the foreseeable future. The soundboards and backs are hand thicknessed and joined. The solid wood sides and wood bindings are hand bent and the braces and necks are hand carved. I do not use laminated components of any kind. All of the materials are solid wood. 

I am committed to using traditional tonewoods in a responsible manner, so the tonewoods such as Rosewood, Mahogany and others are sourced only from suppliers that can demonstrate adherence to CITES guidelines and regulations.