Wade Sylvester

Builder of Guitars and Instruments, Musician, Composer and Special Visual Effects Designer

 

For me, it all started back in the 70's when things were simpler and louder. I would take apart electric guitars, change things, and play them. I designed and completed my first electric guitar at age 20 (a double neck 12 string and 6 string combo). In the years following, I have built several more electric guitars, basses and slide guitars.

I have always enjoyed working with wood and the idea of creating a piece of art that could also make music has always appealed to me. After 20 years of playing and building electric guitars, I decided to build my first acoustic guitar. I purchased the book, "GUITARMAKING: Tradition and Technology" by William R. Cumpiano and Jonathan D. Natelson, which is a fantastic guide for the aspiring guitar builder. I learned that an acoustic guitar is a complex instrument and a challenge to build correctly.

After using Cumpiano and Natelson's book as a guide to build six acoustic flattop guitars, I found out William Cumpiano's shop is in Northampton, Massachusetts. I decided to call him and we arranged a first visit. The results of that visit is posted here.

I am currently building guitars for display and sale. If you see an instrument that looks interesting, don’t hesitate to drop me a line. I do tend to gravitate to unusual designs that combine the past with my own imagination. However, I am also aware of the importance of instrument building traditions and innovations and I have learned to apply them to a wide variety of acoustic instruments.

The bottom line for me is playability. An instrument must be fun to play AND sound great, to be successful. As a musician, I would consider myself fairly picky when it comes to choosing an instrument for myself. This is why I have always made my own.
I am hoping to create a few instruments that are so fun to play that they will help to inspire music creation for other musicians as well as myself.

The New England Luthiers is an association of professionals and amateurs brought together by a common love of making stringed instruments