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Philosophy / History
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Tony Sutherland |
I began building instruments in 1991. From the very beginning
I knew it was my path and I have approached the art with enthusiasm ever since. I am a self-taught luthier and
have gathered information on this craft from many sources available to me: other luthiers, books, magazines
and my intuition.
Ever since finishing my first instrument (a 6-string guitar), players have asked me to build a wide assortment
of instruments. In the process I have found the inspiration to design and build unique instruments which have
become my “you build them and they will come” category. By this I mean that if I have an idea or inspiration
for an unusual instrument, I go for it – I build it, knowing that the right player will eventually find me and buy the
instrument! |
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As of this writing, I’ve built 6-, 8-, 9- and 12-string guitars, including a “Weisenbourne” style Hawaiian steel
guitar, a “zouktar”, a 12-string guitar with a bouzouki-body and a floating bridge, and an acoustic bass guitar.
I have also built a number of bouzoukis which were inspired through both my friendship with Steve Smith
(whom I consider a mentor) and through knowing many different players of this unique instrument. I build
both carved and flat top instruments, depending on the “personality” the player desires, and have often been
able to “custom fit” a player with an instrument exactly suited to his or her playing style.
In recent years, I have begun building smaller instruments, such as mandolins, ukeleles and tiples (10 string
tenor [B,F,D,A] or baritone[A,E,C,G]).
I love building the unusual and even the “impossible” instrument, so if you have an idea for an instrument
you’d like to have me build, don’t hesitate to contact me and share your idea!
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Woods
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As you will notice in my portfolio, most of my instruments are made from Hawaiian Koa. I have an
intense passion for the tone, beauty and range of possibilities that this acacia family wood has to offer.
I’ve lived on the Big Island of Hawaii for a number of years in the past and have collected a wide range
of instrument quality Koa, which has been air dried in this very arid Northern New Mexico climate (Taos)
where I now live.
I also stock a limited amount of other woods, including “fiddle-back” mahogany, figured maple, black
acacia, cocobolo, and other exotics that work well for instrument construction. In addition, I have built
instruments from woods supplied by the player.
For soundboards (tops) I like Koa for certain applications, as well as Engleman spruce and Western red
cedar. I have a limited quantity of extremely figured redwood that offers a unique low resonating tone to the
overall sound (this is a great choice for baritone guitars or ukeleles!)
Many variables go into choosing the right wood, such as type of instrument, desired tone, and the
players’ style. I enjoy the discussion process that leads to the creation of each new instrument. |
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