I hope to share shop notes and pictures of several guitar building projects. There is a wealth of information and inspiration all over the web. Some of my favorites sites are listed under the “Friends” page of this site. These notes are intended to share my insights, experiences, and ultimately results on my quest to build “the ultimate OM guitar” – according to my abilities, needs, and design goals. Now, I’ve been playing guitar long enough to know that there is no such thing as an “ultimate anything” in the world of acoustic guitars. However, over the years I have noted and collected ideas from “this guitar” and “that guitar” through listening to and playing 100′s of instruments, as well as visiting many other luthiers around the country. Now after simmering all this on the back burner for many years, I’m turning up the heat, and getting ready to start cooking with my own recipe.
I also know the “ultimate OM” has probably already been built – in fact I think I played it – at Kim Walkers shop in North Stonington, CT. Playing one of his incredible Style A OM instruments was nearly a “died and gone to heaven” experience. That instrument ‘spoke to me’ like no other guitar ever has, in fact simply talking anywhere near set it off vibrating as if alive. No matter what note I plucked, it shot out of the instrument at twice the expected volume. But alas it was spoken for. After a quick review of his price list and backlog, there was nothing left to do but purpose to build one of my own 
That single experience and visit with Kim was enough to fuel my fertile imagination for many years to come.
Finally, as with most things in life, I’ve learned that it’s not so much the destination but the journey that counts anyway. I hope you have fun following along and find some useful information. Also, perhaps some day we might discuss building an instrument of your dreams. Fellow builders or perspective customers, please feel free to send me an email if you have any comments or questions.
