I learned to build steel string acoustic guitars with Sergei DeJonge in Quebec, in 2010. For over a decade I made these instruments to order, and a few “on spec” which I generally sold through Folkway Music in Waterloo, Ontario.

I offered four steel string guitar models.

My L-Model is shaped like the Gibson L’s of the 1930’s but with an updated interior structure in that the back and soundboard (as on all of my steel strings) are built to 15′ radius and 30′ radius spherical sections, respectively. On this model I always used a 24.75″ scale. Yes, I have also made a L-Model with a venetian cutaway.

My Concert Model is of my own design but can be thought of in the same realm as a Martin OM. I build this model with 24.9″ or 25.4″ scales, 14 or 13-fret neck locations, solid or slotted pegheads, venetian cutaway or not, etc…

I offered a dreadnought that is slightly modified from the classic Martin outline, with a just-slightly narrower waist to give it a bit more stability when playing seated. On this model I always used a 25.4″ scale.

The last guitar I designed was my Junior Giant. It is a 16″ “small jumbo” and it fits into a J-185 case. All these models have their place, and no doubt smaller guitars can be physically comfortable to play but, sonically I think this was my most satisfying design.

I usually adorned my steel string headstocks with a depiction of the Great Lakes, in pearl, plastic or reconstituted stone but also did some custom on-off designs. Most often I used a French Polish shellac finish but I did sometimes spray. It was always an extra pleasure to tailor the guitar to the desires of the player, from aesthetic choices like these, to the woods used, and also neck dimensions and profiles.