About Dave Bertoncini

In 1995, after not playing much guitar for several years, and not owning a good instrument, I wanted to start playing again. But I was quickly discouraged. I went through several instruments in a short period of time.  I decided that in order to have what I was looking for I would have to build it myself. So I ordered up an assortment of parts from suppliers including All Parts and Warmouth, and not only built them for myself, but found a market for these custom “parts guitars.” Shortly after, I took the next step and began fabricating my own components.

After building electric guitars for about four years, in 1999, I was approached by Guthrie Thomas to build an Acoustic, and I built some others to display at Wintergrass, a large bluegrass festival in Tacoma, Washington. I now have instruments used and endorsed by several folk artists, Guthrie Thomas, Ronny Cox, Seth Paul, Rick Meade, and a television producer Chip Chalmers. I rely on word of mouth from satisfied owners.

My instruments are hand-built, one at a time, in my small shop, by me alone.  I strive to be different by working one-on-one with my customers throughout the entire process, sending e-mail updates and pictures of the entire process. I encourage customers to name their instrument in a manner that has a personal meaning to them, and then the instrument, inlay, and label all follow that theme. Of course, customers can pick many other options, such as the woods for the top and back and sides, nut width, string spacing, neck profile, finishes, fret size, and any other aspect of the instrument. It’s completely custom. I also try to start with established designs as a basis, and work and improve from there to coax everything possible from the instrument. Often, people purchase something with high expectations, and end up being disappointed. I strive to have customers be more than satisfied.