STONEMAN GUITARS

Each and every instrument regardless of the price range, is built with the highest level of craftsmanship.The total instrument, right from the selection of the woods, all NON-ENDANGERED exotic, (mostly U S hardwoods), to the selection of the parts (mostly USA made, whenever possible) can be custom tailored to each and every customer. My instruments are as American made as possible, however some parts and woods are only available from other countries.

I strive to buy American made parts when available. The woods I use are all local (to the Bradford Pa. area), with the obvious exception being the ebony and rosewoods for the fingerboards.

I am a Luthier (a "builder of stringed instruments"), who has been doing expert instrument repairs (major and minor) since the late 60's from my shop in Neptune City NJ, Asbury Park NJ, and Belmar NJ, Brooklyn NY, Wellsville NY, and Olean NY. Now in Bradford Pa, I do major and minor Instrument Repair, as I am a full fledged luthier. I also re-hair bows and repair all the violin family stringed instruments.

Since I have been in the business (building guitars for over 30 years!), I have always opposed companies who pay "endorsers" to play their instruments. I am also against, trying to induce somebody to play my instruments because somebody (else) important, famous, and/or an exceptional musician plays one. I choose to sell my instruments one at a time, as they are built, to those who can appreciate each instrument for what it is. I don't want customers to buy my instruments because a famous musician plays one, but rather buy one because it's the best built, best feeling, best sounding instrument you ever played!

I hand build each and every instrument to make YOU sound, and play better!

As an environmentalist, I make every effort to produce these instruments to be the most environmentally friendly instruments produced in the USA! From using hand (non-powered) tools as much as is possible to the application of the water-borne, environmentally friendly finishes. And as always, I use as many American designed and made components as I can do practically.

John Stoneman Luthier/Master-craftsman