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Use the form on the right to contact us.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions regarding your instrument, repairs, any instruments we have for sale, ordering an instrument, or any instrument you wish to sell.

1000 North Rand Road No. 224
Wauconda, IL, 60084
United States

847-864-7730

I began making guitars in 1966 in Dayton Ohio, where I worked out of my house. From 1968-1970 I lived in Mexico City, returning during the summers to build instruments at the Dayton location. 

During this time I was studying Anthropology and playing flamenco guitar professionally in various troupes in Mexico and around the U.S. In 1972 I moved to Chicago and worked briefly out of the back of a music store before moving to my present location in 1973. 

At that point I gave up any pretensions of being a professional guitarist and dedicated myself full time to lutherie.

 


My 800 Greenwood Street shop has undergone several renovations and changes over the years, the most recent being the 1995 massive renovation I did of the outside and inside of the building. 

As a result, my building is now climate controlled throughout the entire 4,000 square feet, and it has now acquired a nicer facade, with more interior showroom space than was previously available. 

Consequently, we are better able to serve those who prefer to visit the shop to select an instrument from our extensive inventory, which is housed in glass fronted rosewood cabinets. Being able to play many instruments side by side is very helpful in making a final selection, and we have full repair/restoration facilities on the premises for minor action adjustments to major restorations of valuable collector instruments.

1994 Michael Thames No. 234

1994 Michael Thames (U.S.A.), No. 234, 650 mm scale, 52 mm nut, strings are spaced at 43 mm on centers between 1st and 6th, action at the 12th fret is 4 mm on the bass side and 3 mm on the treble side.  Spruce top, Indian rosewood sides and back, lacquer varnish on sides, back and neck, top is hand padded french polish of shellac, tuning machines are Sloane/Waverly.  Condition is near mint, with some very microscopic scratches visible on the back from music left in the case, and some minor lacquer crazing which does not affect the musicality nor longevity of the instrument.  This is a very nice traditionally fan braced instrument which is somewhat Hauser-like with a definite Spanish flavor added.  Trebles are uniform and bright, sustain is great and the transition to the bass is gradual and undetectable.  Colorful and with lots of energy on the note, the guitar is easy to play and quick to speak.  Great instrument at a very attractive price, don’t delay.  $4,000