Matt Chaffin, a fellow guitar maker and friend. We discuss guitar construction on a weekly basis and learn from each other's experience. Matt builds in the traditional style of Antonio Torres and prefers the use of hand tools. Contact: chaffinluthier@yahoo.com

John Moore is an incredible Flamenco Guitarist, and also a Linguistics Professor at UCSD. I have studied flamenco with John for the past few years, and even had the opportunity to do a little repair work on his Ramirez guitar. His site is very informative on the art of Flamenco.

Paul Gablraith developed a new type of guitar with David Rubio, the 'Brahms Guitar', and the style of playing it upright like a cello. It took me a while to grow on his style, but now I am addicted. I feel his recordings are some of the best you can find for the guitar. He inspired me to build the Brahms guitar, and I am now learning to play in his style.

Boaz Elkayam comes from a line of luthiers, and builds guitars that defy tradition and are incredible works of art. He apprenticed with Richard Schneider, and continues the Kasha guitar legacy. A true artist, he does the entire construction process with no power tools.

The Guild of American Luthiers (GAL) is a non-profit educational membership organization, formed in 1972 to advance the craft of string instrument making and repair (lutherie), through a free exchange of information. I have been a member for the past few years and their publications have been an essential instrument in my library. I highly recommend joining for those interested in the art of lutherie.

Luthiers Mercantile International, Inc. (LMI) is a great resource for tools and materials for guitar builders. Although it is possible to find some things at a lower price, this site is extremely convenient and their service has been great.

Lee Valley & Veritas Tools offers high-quality woodworking tools. I can't emphasize how important it is to have good quality tools and their products have always been meeting the bar. I have several of their planes and other gadgets, and for the price this is the best you can get. I especially recommend the No.5 Low-Angle Bevel-Up Jack Plane. It has become my favorite tool, and is a pleasure to use. I have hand planed all the wood for my guitars, and even on the hardest woods, (e.g. Cocobolo and Ebony) it has performed like a star.

Gilmer Wood supplies high quality wood. You won't find European Spruce here, but pretty much everything else you may need. These guys know what they are doing and they are my main supplier. Seasoned, quartersawn, and reasonably priced instrument grade wood is one of their specialties.

Guitar Solo is a 'small' guitar store that has an amazing collection of sheet music. They also sell guitars, and have a pretty nice collection.

Celin Romero was my first teacher when I moved to San Diego. He is part of the world-renowned Romero Guitar Quartet, and it has been a privilege to study with him.

I also studied with Randy Pile for several years, and he has been a wonderfull teacher. His website has some of his recordings posted.

My friend, Yaniv, also has website oriented on guitar. He composes and records, and his work can be listened to off the website.

Jason Vieaux has a special talent in the romantic style of playing. I really enjoy his style, and highly recommend his "Laureate Series-Guitar Recital" and "Sor: Op. 43-45" recordings.

David Russel is one of my favorite guitarist, and has a style that on the other side of the spectrum from Paul Galbraith. All his recordings are top notch.

Chris Parkening is also one of my favorite guitarist, and I have been to his masterclasses in Montana. The beauty of the location is ideal for the week long intensive guitar session.

John Williams is perhaps the best known guitarist today. He is a technical genius, and his playing is perfect. He gets enough attention...