ABOUT THE LUTHIER

Founded in 2020 in British Columbia, Whitney Guitars is the work of luthier Michael Whitney.

A background spanning woodworking, visual arts, and technical disciplines informs a focused approach to instrument making — where structure, material, and detail are considered with equal weight.

Michael later refined his craft through years of study under established luthiers, including William Okos and Sigmund Johannessen.

Each instrument is built with an emphasis on clarity, responsiveness, and long-term musical relevance.

LUTHIER'S NOTE

My work began as a continuation of a lifelong interest in making — and has evolved into a focused pursuit of building steel-string acoustic and Gypsy Jazz instruments.

It remains grounded in process, with an ongoing commitment to refinement in both sound and form.

~Michael Whitney — Luthier

Luthier at work fine-tuning guitar components during custom build process.

A LIFELONG DREAM

I’ve long been drawn to woodworking, music, and design. Guitar making brings those disciplines together in a direct and practical way — as both a craft and an ongoing study.

My work balances modern design with established tradition, with a focus on instruments that feel considered in both form and response.

Each build is an opportunity to refine the process — to better understand how structure, material, and small decisions shape the final result.

1975-1993

GRANDPA'S BENCH

Some of my earliest memories are of time spent with my grandfather in his workshop. At five years old, I would sit on the bench in my pyjamas, hammering nails with complete focus. He never stopped me — only quietly removing them later, leaving a clean surface for the next visit.

As I got older, we built tables, shelves, and other small projects together. The work mattered, but so did the time spent in the shop — a place to share stories and learn through doing.

Much of what I carry into my work comes from those years: patience, attention to detail, and respect for tools and process.

I still think of him often when I’m in the shop.

1993-1994

GUITAR STUDIES

After high school, I moved to Nelson, BC to attend the jazz program at Selkirk College. The focus was on ear training, composition, theory, history, and performance.

The program offered a clear counterpoint to the music I had been immersed in at the time, and reshaped how I listened and thought about the instrument.

After completing my studies, I spent time travelling in Europe before moving to Vancouver to begin the next chapter.

Web_And_Grafik_Website-And-Grapic-Design

1996-2016

DESIGN STUDIES

An early interest in graphic arts and typography led to a mentorship in 1996 with scenic painters and airbrush artists working in Vancouver’s film and design industries.

Over the following years, I worked independently as an airbrush artist, muralist, and sign writer, completing commissioned work across the city. This included large-scale painted installations and themed interior environments.

In 2000, I transitioned to digital design, earning a degree in graphic design, web development, and eCommerce. I went on to run my own studio, Web + Grafik, until 2016.

That background continues to inform my work today — particularly in proportion, detail, and visual restraint.

Michael Whitney - Audiology, Hearing Specialist

2006-2017

SOUND SCIENCE

Following my military release, I pursued studies in hearing health sciences, leading to certification and the operation of a private audiology practice in British Columbia for over a decade.

That experience shaped how I think about sound — not just as a musician, but in terms of perception, response, and nuance.

In 2017, I stepped away from clinical work to return to making, bringing that understanding with me.

2017-2018

HAVE A CIGAR

In my 30s, my focus shifted toward building a career and a family. By my early 40s, I began to reassess where I felt most engaged — and kept returning to making.

I started building small projects, including a few cigar box guitars. Simple instruments, but the first time I strung one up and plugged it in, something clicked.

Not long after, I began reaching out to luthiers in search of an apprenticeship. It turned out to be closer than expected — a small workshop nearby with a simple sign that read “Luthier.”

The shop belonged to Bill Okos of Laughing Tree Guitars. He invited me in, and before long, offered me an apprenticeship. I spent the following year repairing instruments and working on my first acoustic builds.

It was a clear starting point.

Michael Whitney - Summit School of Guitar Building

2019

APPROACHING THE SUMMIT

Early in my apprenticeship, it became clear that guitar making was the direction I wanted to pursue. Working in a busy repair and restoration shop provided exposure to a wide range of instruments and players, and reinforced that focus.

In January 2019, I enrolled in the one-year Master’s Program in Guitar Building and Repair at Summit School on Vancouver Island, studying under Norwegian luthier Sigmund Johannessen. My work there focused on building Gypsy jazz guitars using traditional methods.

The program was fully immersive — a concentrated period of hands-on building that deepened both skill and understanding.