Business Details
28 Years
experience
Custom Acoustic Guitars Crafted with Art and Science
Bashkin Guitars was founded in 1998 in Fort Collins, Colorado, by Michael Bashkin, a luthier whose expertise bridges art, science, and craftsmanship. Our work begins with a profound understanding of wood, informed by Michaels graduate studies in forestry, fieldwork in Belize, and collaborations with master luthiers like Ervin Somogyi and Harry Fleishman. We combine traditional techniques with modern innovation to create instruments that balance visual beauty and tonal richness. Each guitar reflects decades of experience, a commitment to sustainable materials, and a respect for the natural properties of wood. Located in a community known for creativity and environmental research, we craft instruments tailored to musicians seeking both technical precision and emotional resonance.Our process emphasizes collaboration, ensuring every clients vision is realized in their instrument. The Luthier on Luthier podcast extends our mission, sharing insights from builders and musicians worldwide. With over 25 years of experience, we prioritize transparency, ethical sourcing, and meticulous attention to detail. Our guitars are not just tools for performance but heirlooms that embody the legacy of their materials and the artistry of their creation.
Services
Custom Guitars
Guitar Repair
Wood Consultation
Podcast Production
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We combine traditional luthiery with scientific expertise in wood biology.
- Our founder studied under master builders Ervin Somogyi and Harry Fleishman.
- Each guitar uses sustainably sourced, acoustically optimized tonewoods.
- Decades of experience in crafting instruments for professional musicians.
- We host the Luthier on Luthier podcast, sharing industry insights monthly.
Services
Custom Guitars
Each Bashkin guitar is meticulously crafted to balance tonal clarity and visual elegance. Using select woods and hybrid techniques, we create instruments tailored to individual playing styles. Clients collaborate on design elements, ensuring a unique, personalized build.
Guitar Repair
We specialize in restoring vintage and damaged guitars using period-accurate materials and methods. Our repairs preserve original character while enhancing playability and sound quality. Services include crack repair, fretwork, and tonal adjustments.
People
Michael Bashkin
Luthier & Founder
Michael Bashkin combines graduate-level forestry research with decades of luthiery experience. His work merges scientific understanding of wood with artistic craftsmanship, creating instruments celebrated for their resonance and beauty.
Questions
How do I commission a custom guitar?
Contact us via phone or email to discuss your preferences. We guide you through wood selection, design, and tonal goals before beginning the build.
What tonewoods do you use?
We prioritize sustainably sourced spruce, cedar, rosewood, and maple. Michael selects each piece based on acoustic properties and grain structure.
Do you offer repair services?
Yes, we provide restoration and maintenance for acoustic guitars, focusing on structural integrity and tonal optimization.
What is the Luthier on Luthier podcast?
A monthly podcast featuring in-depth interviews with guitar builders and musicians, exploring their creative processes and industry innovations.
Reviews (5)
Bernard Dime
Mar 08, 2020
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I won't let anyone else touch my guitars, end of story. Michael's done so much stuff and gone out of his way for me; fixed, upgraded, and dialed in so many guitars now. His work is top notch and he's just an all around genuine guy. Very lucky to have a luthier like Michael close to my home.
David Menke
Feb 16, 2020
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Michael does excellent work, though too busy to do individual other mfg guitar repairs. I would recommend the custom guitar builds.
Chris Cecil
Jun 19, 2019
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This is a full service actual Lutherie shop, capable of international caliber work. Authorized for factory warranty on Taylor, Martin and more. Quality, solid, serious work. Quality Custom instruments as well. Be patient. Recommended. Chris Cecil @ Cecil Electronic / Global touring U.S.
Paul Dykema
May 02, 2019
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I called Mr. Bashkin to see if he might be able to help me with a 30 year old Frankenstein-Stratocaster rebuild I was working on. He was very honest and forthcoming on the phone and gave me some hard truth about the project I knew I needed, but didn't want to hear. I certainly made sure to thank him for his time on the phone, and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank him again publicly. If and when I need any of my acoustic guitars repaired I will certainly reach out to him again.
Ryan Rohlfing
Feb 22, 2019
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I took Michael my 5-string banjo to install some spikes on the upper frets. He told me that he could get it done and ready the next day. Sure enough he had it done it they perform great. Will definitely see him for all string instrument repairs going forward.
