The Changui

 

I am very happy to announce that jazz great and guitar innovator Charlie Hunter has taken delivery of a new

 

Changui nylon string guitar! This instrument was quite a challenge to create but the result surpassed my expectations! However, the biggest reward for me as a guitarmaker is that Charlie is talking about heading off in a completely new musical direction. He told me the instrument is demanding new things of him and he doesn't want to just "do what he always does" on it but rather develop a whole new style for this guitar! That one of my guitars speaks to a player and inspires them as an artist, challenges them, leading them down new paths; is the highest compliment anyone can pay me (as a guitar maker). When people ask me about guitarmaking or come to me with design requests, I always answer "first and foremost, it's all about making music" ... Thanx Charlie!

I had the honor of delivering Charlie his guitar at Jazz legend Pat Martino's home where I also delivered a 15" Montreux I made for Pat (Please note that Pat Martino Plays a signature model Gibson and is a Gibson endorser. Pat Martino is not an endorser of my guitars). When I was learning to play guitar in the early 70s I would listen to Pat's music. It would have been a thrill just to make his acquaintance but crafting an instrument for him was a dream beyond description!

What a magical day; sitting around listening to 2 giants of the guitar world trying out their new axxes. Watching their faces as they first cracked the case and looked upon their new 'friend'. Meeting their families, listening to stories, talking about guitars and music ... truly surreal looking back on that day.

During the chronology of the commission process, I often get to know my clients quite well. I have to say that as I look back on everything, as great a talent these two artist posses; what really touches me is the magnitude of their humanity. They are both very special souls and I am a richer person for having met them. I am honored to call them my clients and friends.