Drew's Guitar Shop

My History in Frets

My background in luthiery goes back to high school where I spent hours playing and tinkering with fretted instruments. During that time, I learned many luthier skills from my music teacher at the time, Mike Pavou who was a former New York banjo maker. His mentorship was very inspiring and got me interested in learning more. In running start, I focused all of my attention in technical programs at DBCC of NMSU that would make me a better guitar tech, taking primarily courses in woodworking, finishing, electronics and aerospace soldering technologies. After graduating high school I enrolled in Roberto Venn School of Luthiery and graduated with my certification in 2006. Shortly thereafter, a job offer from Rainsong Graphite Guitars out of Woodinville brought me to the great state of Washington.

I spent three years with Rainsong, working with talented people, learning more skills and helping to build well over a thousand of these unique guitars before leaving to continue my education in music. After completing a two year education in music theory at NSCC I decided to come back to my true calling by starting a home business doing fretted instrument repair. In the past 4 years, I have helped hundreds of Seattle area musicians get their instruments in top playing condition and sometimes resurrecting them from the dumpster. I have also contracted with a number of local businesses including a major vintage instrument dealer in Georgetown and a few private sellers of used and vintage instruments. There is nothing that pleases me more than to know my work is saving the history locked in well loved instruments and helping talented musicians play the music that they love.

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