kenneth @ casperguitar.com
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ACOUSTIC GUITARS

My main focus is acoustic guitars.

I build custom acoustic guitars in five different sizes, ranging from a OO to a small jumbo. Each is named after one of the larger bodies of water that border this great state of Michigan. For details about each specific model and to see photos of past builds, click on THE GUITARS and SIGHTS & SOUNDS links at left.

Though I primarily build acoustic guitars, I have built a handful of electrics. These can also be seen on the SIGHTS & SOUNDS page.

I had a couple of builds for customers lined up for the summer of 2025, but neither followed through. Rather than pull up the next two in the queue, I decided to build an octave mandolin. I had designed the Octo the previous winter based on the shape of the beautiful Gibson L-O. I recently finished making all the molds and fixtures and am now building an Engelmann topped sycamore octave mandolin. If you are curious, you can follow the BUILD BLOG.

ABOUT ME

Combining a love of woodworking and music.

I have a small one-man shop in southeastern Michigan near Ann Arbor. I build a handful of guitars each year, mostly during the winter months. My experience working with wood goes back close to 40 years, with guitar making going back ten years. I do play guitar, but I am a better luthier than player! If you would like to learn more about me and my build philosophy, click THE LUTHIER link at left.

GUITARS ON THE BENCH

What is happening in the shop?

During the summer of 2022, I built a presentation grade quilted sapele Huron for Jon and a nautically themed crelicam ebony Huron for Patrick.  The blogs of these builds can be seen by clicking the BUILD BLOG link at left. Be sure to check out the pictures linked in the respective blogs as each of these guitars is pretty spectacular.

Over the winter, I have been designing an octave mandolin and hope to build it during 2023.

The guy playing the high end Martin said, “I spent a lot of
money on this guitar of mine, and I can’t believe how much better
your guitar sounds…the way the guitar rings and
carries a tone is incredible”

Rob – Lebanon, OH – Oct 2019

I thoroughly enjoyed the build experience, both because you
provided such detailed narrative and pictures, but also because
my input became a part of the construction and final product.

Thomas – Suffolk, VA – Nov 2017

Ken listened to everything I told him and turned it into an
instrument that fits me and my playing like no other instrument
I’ve ever played.

Beth – Pasadena, CA – Oct 2016

I thought the wood combination of Adi/ mahogany would give
a fairly fundamental tone; this guitar has that but it also
shimmers. The tones seem to breathe.

Dave – Radnor, PA – Sep 2014

Just thought I’d drop you a line and let you know how happy
I am with the Koa guitar you built for me.

Alan – Lutherville, MD – Sep 2014

Absolutely stunning! Superb workmanship! Miters, joints,
everything is tight…pictures just don’t do it justice!

Paul – Broomfield, CO – Mar 2014

One of the first things i noticed about this instrument was
that its fun to play. Its a lot of fun to play, and that is kinda rare.

Larry – Pensacola, Florida – Jun 2013

If I took my three favorite guitars from my collection,
put their sound in a blender, and made one instrument,
Ken’s L-00 is what I would be playing.

Jack – Grand Rapids, Michigan – Jan 2012

The playability of the guitar is exceptional. While
it is hard to imagine, the guitar should continue to
improve over the next six months.

Jody – Abilene, Texas – Dec 2011

The most striking thing about the sound is that it’s so
balanced. The trebles are bright and full, the mids are clear
and bell-like, and the bass is full and sustained. But it’s
all balanced. And, of course, it’s significantly better
sounding than any company manufactured guitar.

Michael – Grosse Pointe, Michigan – Jan 2012

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

What my customers are saying about my guitars.

Several of my customers have sent me feedback to post on my website. Click the FEEDBACK link at left to read their feedback. If you have played one of my guitars and wish to have your feedback included, send me your comments, and I will include it.

In addition to the items highlighted above, the links at left will take you to galleries and sound clips of previously delivered guitars, features, and ordering information. Reach out at the email noted at left if you would like any more information. I can typically respond within a day.