Welcome!
Thank you for your interest in my work! Since 2002, I’ve been best known as the original creator of “TogaMan GuitarViols” (likely why you are here :). For many years I’ve been typically over capacity (90% to film and TV composers) with epic build commitments and long waits. No big factory. Decades overcapacity. Continuous development and evolution. Since 2016, I scrambled to “scale up” (10x project) in an era that apparently had other plans. It’s safe to say that a lot has changed since 2020! (Yeah, we are not in 2015 anymore!). I still build 10x design GuitarViols in limited hand production. And, yes, had to adjust pace with age, no extra shop crew, and dramatically different market priorities of the times…
So yes, you can still have an original built by the original! Honored to be of service!
See Trailer to “GuitarViol: the film composer’s secret weapon” (Soon to be in Film festivals 2025)
On the other hand, here are some other offerings I bring my skills to:
Menu of services:
GuitarViol (Limited) production.
THE instrument I am best known for! The 10x design acoustic GuitarViol made to a pattern that represents over 35 years (a lifetime!) of chasing the elusive Arpeggione/Guitar-formatted Viola; proven in over 20 years of major studio movie/TV soundtrack productions. Like Ferraris, they are made to order. No good/better/best base models. ONE 10x design. These are not “off the rack” Commodities but made in small batch waves. I recommend following my Substack and Instagram page for the latest! “Custom features” outside of the10x pattern? Not so much. (But cruising my Instagram page gives you an idea of what is possible for colors and looks developed in recent times!)
2 basic Paths to ordering a 10X GuitarViol:
The general (long) queue $7777.77* built in 3 (three) rounds of $2592.59 (Initiation, mid batching, and set-up shipping prep). Shipping crate ($200) and optional pickup system (TBD) and applicable (California) tax added to the last round. *This process can take between 9 and 18 months +/-.
Or the HOT RACK – $9777.77 in two rounds of and an estimated turn around of 6-8 weeks +/- (rather than 9 to 12/18 months +/-) Limited number of these per year of course!
The disclaimers:
Because of the limited production (one builder from beginning to end. Sometimes unpredictable supply chains and wild force majeure hurdles of our times). Exact date ETA’s are best guesses and therefore NOT precise (basically, deadline resistant). Patience is required and rewarded! There is no “reverse gear” or refunds – the project is mutual risk – one way to the destination! (Note: I will NOT accept full payment on general queue builds as that will NOT expedite in any way!). In exceptional rare cases, almost complete/mid construction (special pop-up, unassigned, “exhibition” models for public shows (often at a 20% premium) within a 4-6-12 week period can happen). Such are NOT transferable to existing projects in the queue. These Pop-ups/exhibition pieces (for shows) are to fill in the operating revenue GAP inherent with the post 2020 world. That said, I daily push all projects forward with ALL my might! (I am one man) The GOAL is the best possible version of what I devoted a lifetime to: The world’s most advanced Arpeggione/GuitarViol that invites mass musical inspiration and exploration!
More questions? We can arrange a FaceTime of Zoom! My best operating hours for phone/Zoom are Monday-Friday 10AM – 3PM Text/call number in picture below:
Other services:
“Do a few things exceptionally well, rather than many things adequately”.
Fine guitar spa treatment
Local owners of fine guitars bring their beloved guitars (and other stringed instruments) to me for intensive cleaning, fret treatment, re-stringing, set-up. (Inquire) Shop rate $150.00 per hour with 1 hour minimum. (Sometimes I go off the book and get carried away with extras)
“Impossible” repairs and mods*
The ones most other shops turn away! (Inquire) This is for those who have an instrument that is special to them and, want to have it back to top playing condition (regardless of scars and creative Kinsuki treatment that may be involved). In some cases, “faithful to original” is not possible (unless re-built from scratch – this is different). Instead, the best engineering and craft is applied to make it musical with some upgrades and features the original did not have! (Not museum restoration, but a make-over upgrade from the wreckage). Like a junkyard car transformed to a modern hot rod masterpiece! (Inquire)
Industrial design and master mold making
Specializing in stringed musical instruments. (Marine and consumer goods? Sure). Over the last 10 years I have been departing from traditional woods and developing alternative instrument construction out of composite mold tooling patterns; specializing in industrial HEMP construction for repeatable build processes and best engineering. I offer consultation and actionable services to companies who are interested in developing their line of instruments and applying the technology; acting as a hands-on immersive coach on-site. (Inquire) Basically, we walk through the process to ensure the master pattern feels right in the hand before the molds are made. Then, we go about making the production tooling and first proofs.
Private instruction: Modern composite instrument design and making.
An alternative path for the serious individuals in a small class of 1:1 setting. (Inquire)
Licensing opportunities for manufacturers.
Interested in a line of GuitarViols and other spin-off instruments consistent with The TogaMan GuitarViol? Want best PR optics (not a knock-off, the real deal, association with the original) visibly on board and collaborating in a win-win scenario? Let’s arrange the meeting!
Soundtrack sessions/collabs
I have been asked a lot over the years and my sounds have appeared prominently in games like “Borderlands” (2009) and others by a four letter company ending in Y that I cannot mention. Although honored to be considered for WFH “sessions” I typically prefer (may consider) co-publishing collaborations/credits with those who like my particular artistry. My best stuff is composed and improvised on the spot. Tell me about your project and we’ll see if it makes sense!
GuitarViol/Guitar lessons zoom or local in person. ($100 per hour – For new owners of recently delivered builds, I’ll give you a half hour primer at no charge). Beyond that, I can offer the 1:1 lessons with limited availability (the same guy who runs a shop, engineers, and makes instruments).
Public Speaking/lectures. A variety of topics about starting from scratch, alternative stringed instrument design, identifying your soul software and running it, innovation as craft, and dozens more!
Got a SERIOUS proposal? Let’s talk!
Current and upcoming ancillary projects:
The film composer‘s secret weapon. (A 2 hour feature documentary where a dozen Film/TV/Game media composers themselves tell the story of the GuitarViol in their native habitats. Coming soon to film festivals! (See trailer here)
Toga man’s hemp craft and jam YouTube Series
(In development, perfect intern opportunity for media students!). Imagine a variety show of special guests (composers, artists, craftsmen) with hands on craft stuff, free form interview banter, culinary corner, and live jams with guests!
Lifestyle art
The stuff that gets shoved to the back-burner but is dying to come out!
Do a few things exceptionally well, rather than many things adequately.