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As a child, I was never without a pocket knife and a piece of wood. In 2003, I decided I wanted to build a guitar and enrolled in the Summit School of Guitar Building and Repair in Qualicum, BC. The school enlightened me to the tools I needed and the basic process of lutherie.
After school, my grandfather gifted me his woodworking machinery and a collection of various antique hand tools. Treasures that date back 3 or 4 generations in my family, some of which I still use. I had built fifty or so flat top instruments when a friend commissioned a mandolin. Carving has since become one of my joys - mandolins, mandolas, archtop guitars, bouzoukis, octave mandolins, and more. The nature of the business has compelled me to become an obsessive wood collector. I have invested in my own resaw and large milling capabilities, hand selecting every piece of my instruments from the board up. I use a variety of exotic and native species for different purposes. I truly love my work - my friends and clients tell me it shows. Every piece I envision is unique and different. Being a professional player, I know how a quality instrument should look, feel, and sound. I most enjoy building for specific people. Knowing one's particular style, form, and musicianship enables me to create exceptional custom instruments. Bayard Blain |