BIOGRAPHY

In the late 80's I moved to Los Angeles and began working at a vintage rental facility. I worked on guitars used by Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, and Peter Frampton to name a few. Keeping guitars in great running condition and continuing my journeyman experience I realized a very important thing - It’s not just the guitar. It’s the person playing the guitar that makes it sound great and you must cater to the needs of the person steering the ship, the instrument does not play itself. I have always felt that a good luthier would make great shrink.

I continued to listen and work with some of the most inspirational people in the world. I feel that sometimes I learned more about my craft by just being thoughtful towards what someone expected out of their guitar, than by how many thousands of an inch the low E string was from the fingerboard. I believe the guitar is a living and breathing entity, much like ourselves, and they all have their own limitations.

I continued my tenure in California until I found what I had waited a long time for, the opportunity to work with a master. I moved to the great Pacific Northwest to study under John Stephan. John has been the most inspirational part of my journey, a master craftsman from Palmer Alaska with Houdini like skills. Together we forged a guitar bond that will last forever. John was amazing because his entire focus was on “what not to do” rather than “what to do". He felt I had my own facility and I should capitalize on it, the rest was up to me. I am indebted to him forever. Many of you may never see his work, but if you look close you can see it in mine. He is my "Guitar Father.” But, as the saying goes, I guess all good things must come to an end and John had to eventually set me free to do my own thing.

I took a position at Dusty Strings in Seattle where Ouds, violins, harps and guitars live together happily ever after and spent most of my time restoring instruments young and old. I encountered some of the best ears on folks with a deep devotion for fine instruments. It was a very enriching experience that helped me continue to be considerate to what needs to be done and remember it’s “what not to do!”

While working at Dusty Strings I received a call from Luthier Bill Asher of Guitar Traditions in Santa Monica, California. It was an opportunity to help Bill get through at least 200 guitars in need of restoration and I was up to the task.

Having the chance to work on some of the finest guitars ever made and further my journey was another enriching experience alongside Bill. Bill hails from Rick Turners world and has a keen eye for detail. It helped keep me on my toes to the point where our work was one in the same and I spent 3 years working at that shop until I had the burning desire for my own.

I went a unique route and moved to San Juan Island on the Pacific and built my humble little shop in the trees. Going where it is quiet I felt I could hone my skills. Some of which was a passion for guitars built by the infamous Larson Brothers.

While at Guitar Traditions I met a client by the name of Dan Alexander and he was the first person to introduce me to these guitars. He had a 30's Larson made Stahl that he had purchased from Gruhns Guitar Shop. Purchased “as is” and in “need of fixing.” Not being familiar with them at the time I began my research and the more I looked, the more excited I got. That takes me to where I have been for the last 6 years, in the land of Larsons. What I truly feel to be some of the finest made flattop steel string instruments to date. The progressive nature of their work is so captivating to me that it has inspired me to think and understand so many things about guitars I would have never thought. They had figured out a new interesting swing on that wheel idea that worked and still does. There is nothing out there that sounds like a Larson, that is subjective of course, but few would disagree. Having become somewhat of a specialist in the Larson realm of refurbishing, I’ve never played a Larson that had been restored, every one I received basically needed to be rebuilt with great results.

My shop is now located in Chicago, Illinois, about two miles from the original Larson Brothers shop where I have spent the last two and a half years working with Jeff Tweedy and Wilco. Jeff’s burning passion is a huge arsenal of acoustic guitars that are in constant need of attention and it’s been a wonderful experience working with the group. Oddly enough, Chicago has been the hub of industry in this country for a century and that helps when you run a shop. I can see why the brothers probably liked it here so much and here I hope to stay.

I’ll also continue to build to order and welcome what ever you might dream up. To insure consistency in the product, I work alone and on one at a time. My principles for acoustics are inspired by what I have learned over the years through restoration work and in my opinion one can be made in a fraction of the time it can take to do most detailed restoration work.

I will continue to be available to do fine restoration work, keeping our old friends healthy and performing at their best. With much respect for where they have been and the great music they have made, I really appreciate you taking the time to look over my bio, see where I am coming from and where it is I plan to go.

Sincerely,
Luthier Frankie Montuoro