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  Will Bright, Santa Cruz Guitar Design
  Luthiers worldwide tend to agree that we are currently in the "Golden Age" of lutherie.  (Lutherie, derived from the word "Lute," is the art of building stringed instruments.)  Once-guarded secrets are now being generously shared and constructively critiqued, new materials such as carbon and various laminates are being developed and used in creative and ground-breaking ways, and above all, more and more craftspeople are departing from the traditional ways of building and are taking risks, experimenting, and having fun, often with exciting and extraordinary results.
rosewood top 4 string bass with music man humbucking pickup The most wonderful thing about the art of Lutherie is that while it absolutely conforms to the laws of physics, chemistry, and biology, there is still no exact science to it, no "right" or "wrong."  Science can tell us why a piece of wood behaves the way it does, but it can't necessarily tell us what sounds good or bad.  A luthier's intuition is invaluable, as in any art, to their creativity and innovation.
  hand carved Sitka Spruce top and Flame Maple back and sides, honey burst finish I have experience in music retail, repair, and performance.  I feel this combination has shaped and informed my intuition as to what makes a great instrument.  There is no greater way to understand instruments than to simply handle and play one after another, comparing and contrasting every last detail.
 
I take pride in my designs; by incorporating cutting-edge techniques and materials with traditional hand-tooling methods and beautiful tonewoods, I strive to create a unique and striking instrument, both visually and functionally.