Jol Dantzig Signature Series
Each Signature guitar is hand-built—one example only.
Jol Dantzig’s creations are unique and timeless in style. Influenced by his background in art and vintage guitars, each instrument is an original piece built by hand. Each of Jol’s artistic visions are designed and built from the ground up around a unique concept.
Some feature original vintage parts from his personal collection of hardware. Others may be crafted around a particular piece of fine tonewood or motif from a book, film or other inspiration. Original parts are machined, cast, turned and carved rather than relying upon off the shelf items. This approach clearly distances Dantzig’s work from the norm. Due to the extreme amount of time required to craft each project, a maximum of only four guitars per year will be built.
Although his work is influenced by the instruments from the golden age of guitar building, Dantzig’s work is not merely replicating the past. The man sums it up this way, “The best ideas are ones that haven’t been done, but look as though they surely must have been.”
Owning a Dantzig Instrument
When you commission a Jol Dantzig Guitar, it is yours from its birth as an idea, through the extensive labor of its construction to its debut as a complete reality. As soon as you hold the finished work you’ll know that it is no mere guitar. Jol Dantzig builds instruments with a living soul and personality. Please refer to our builds in progress (below) for more detail.
Inquire
About the process in Jol’s own words:
Each guitar I build has a compelling story and what I call a pre-history. The first step is building the vision, or soul of the guitar. This takes time to develop, and even continues to be refined as the instrument’s construction progresses. My influences are varied, drawing from history, art and culture as much as traditional instrument references.
As these themes are developed, parts can be made, finding just the right combination of materials. Components are machined, cast, or even scavenged in order to bring the right elements to the build. When I use new parts, they are always created to my specifications either in my own shop or by a select group of artisans and vendors whom I trust and admire. These components must always serve the theme and purpose of the build. As I massage the concept and build the instrument, I log it all down in a journal along with samples of color, scraps of material, poetry and photographs. It’s all contained in a hand bound book with a hand painted cover—a copy of which is available with the guitar.
Clients also have the option of having their build unfold online via my Workshop Blog.
Acquiring a Dantzig Guitar
Like what you see? Then let’s discuss building your signature instrument.
Dantzig guitars are also built on commission. Each instrument takes hundreds of hours of thought, sketching, and design—not to mention endless hours of hand construction. All for your enjoyment.
We invite serious inquiries—all builds are available until a deposit is received. Pleas email to schedule a consultation.
