For more than a decade, Dan Strain has been building faithful boutique takes on classic guitars under the Danocaster name, giving many of the new instruments relic'd appearances that made them feel like roadworn favorites.
Yesterday, he announced in a two-page Instagram post that he would be shutting Danocaster down after fulfilling all current orders that have submitted deposits. But after that, there will be no more new instruments from the brand.
"I don't exactly know what's coming next," Strain wrote Monday evening. "But we are moving to the beach while we are still young and healthy enough to enjoy it. I need to live life again and discover something."
As Strain has said in previous interviews and on the Danocaster website, he started building guitars to go on the road with him and his wife's band, because he didn't want to risk touring with his vintage guitars. It grew quickly into more than a hobby and, since 2008, became a beloved boutique brand.
Yesterday's announcement followed previous moves to slow his output. In January this year, Strain wrote on his website that he was not accepting any more custom orders due to a large backlog.
This closure, once remaining orders have been fulfilled, will be final.
"For those of you that have already given me deposits: your guitar will be finished soon," Strain clarified in his statement Monday. "And for those with orders right at the doorstep: I am really so sorry. Truly. I don't know what to say."