Gear endorsement and preferences

Updated: 14 April 2021

I use a range of guitars and other gear, depending on the situation and my mood. I have a few instruments, but I am not a collector. Everything I have is part of my normal performance rotation. I (try to) sell things I'm not using. See my available gear page for current items that you might be interested in taking over.

Luthiers

 Kirk Sand

 SandGuitars.com		  Kirk Sand 7-string classical Kirk Sand essentially invented the amplified nylon string guitar, for Chet Atkins. Before him, using a microphone was pretty much the only viable option for classical guitars. This design has no soundhole for better balance across all seven strings, and to reduce feedback.
 Shelley Park

 ParkGuitars.com 		  Shelley Park 7-string classical Shelley Park builds lovely guitars based on Selmer/Maccaferri designs. She is one of the top gypsy jazz luthiers, and was an early member of Pearl Django. This was her first seven-string.
 Danny Koentopp

 KoentoppGuitars.com 		  Koentopp 7-string Danny Koentopp is a gifted young luthier attracting much industry attention. His guitars have striking designs and remarkable voicing. The amount of care and attention he lavishes on construction is quite amazing.
 Denny Kopp

 KoppArchtops.com 		  Kopp 7-string Denny Kopp is making some extremely innovative instruments, incorporating splendid whimsical details such as clever inlays. His guitars play beautifully and sound wonderful.

Amplfication and electronics

 Acoustic Image

 AcousticImg.com		 Acoustic Image makes outstanding amplifiers, featuring crystal-clear frequency response, compact size, and the best warranty in the industry.
 Henricksen

 HenricksenAmplifiers.com 		 Henricksen is another outstanding amp builder, offering what appears to be the smallest/lightest/cleanest/loudest amp on the market: "The Bud." It offers a slight additional bit of "color" that is good with steel strings, but I find I use this amp the most these days.
 Barbera Transducers

 BarberaTransducers.com 		 Barbera makes an extraordinary, patented pickup that is integral with the guitar saddle. Each string has a separate active pickup element, located at the top of the saddle rather than under it as with traditional transducers. The result is exceptional clarity and brilliance without the dreaded piezo "quack."