The "Stratzoni" 2014

     A long, long time ago in 1996 BC (before children) I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with a beautiful 1929 Gibson L-5 guitar. Simple appointments. 16" non-cutaway body. Acoustically sensitive. I was in love. In the end, a suitor with deep pockets stole her away, leaving me with only a simple blueprint and a wheelbarrow of inspiration.
     For this latest creation, I dug deep into that old wheelbarrow of 1929 L-5, mixing in a shovel-full of Jimmy D'Aquisto hot sauce, a splash of 1950's Gibson blonde Super 400 extract, and 3 tablespoons of 1962 Strat neck powder. After slow-cooking in the schoolhouse for awhile, the Stratzoni was born into this world and christened by it's new owner. Thanks to Mike D. for being inspired by this piece and feeding my passion for creating unique musical instruments.
   
   

One-piece birdseye maple neck with relief carving 

Relief carving on back of peghead. Inspired by an old hood ornament.

A spectacular piece of European maple. 

African blackwood fittings, bindings.

Hand-carved bridge made of black & white ebony

The Waterfall Guitar to benefit Stowe Adaptive Sports 2014

    The Waterfall Guitar made music for the first time this week! Built on my popular Orchestra Model plantilla, this instrument features rare Santa Maria (Cuban Mahogany) back & sides, a stellar Adirondack spruce soundboard, and Macassar ebony trim. The peghead inlay pays homage to one of my favorite pitches at Stowe Mountain Resort, a 20 foot cliff drop beneath the gondola.
      Thanks to a scholarship from FOSAS, my son Charlie had another great year skiing at Stowe. As an adaptive coach at Stowe, I have seen first-hand the importance of this program to the children in our community. Adaptive skiing & riding builds self-confidence and bridges social gaps. It strengthens muscle tone, and develops balance & coordination. Best of all, it gets us outside to enjoy the natural beauty of the Green Mountains!
     Paying it forward is it's own reward. I am blessed to have a wonderful family and support system, who are always there when times are tough. My hope is that the Waterfall Guitar will allow FOSAS to award more scholarships to individuals with disabilities next year.
     I would like to thank Cynthia Needham, president of Friends of Stowe Adaptive Sports, and Keja MacEwan, adaptive supervisor at Stowe Mountain Resort, for their kindness and guidance this year.
   
   

The Waterfall, March 2014

Orchestra Model, Adirondack Spruce soundboard, mother-of-pearl rosette, striped ebony bridge

Rare high-figure Santa Maria (Cuban Mahogany) back & sides

hand-carved heel detail, ebony bindings.