About the Luthier

Founded in 2020 by luthier Michael Whitney in British Columbia, Whitney Guitars showcases a distinctive combination of artistry and craftsmanship. With a diverse background that includes woodworking, airbrush artistry, mural painting, graphic design, service in the Canadian Infantry and a career as a hearing specialist, along with qualifications as a certified sports nutritionist and personal trainer, Michael brings a unique perspective to the art of guitar-making.

His extensive journey has shaped his meticulous approach to crafting each instrument. Michael later honed his skills over many years under the guidance of several esteemed luthiers, including William Okos and Sigmund Johannessen. Whitney Guitars is dedicated to creating exceptional instruments and providing lutherie instruction to those interested in learning the craft.

A PERSONAL MESSAGE

This is the story of how Whitney Guitars began as well as a glimpse into our goals moving forward. I endeavour to consistently produce premium steel-stringed acoustic and Gypsy Jazz guitars that are as stunning to play as they are to behold.

~Michael Whitney - Luthier / Instructor

Luthier Michael Whitney instructing a guitar making course.

LUTHIER'S NOTE

My name is Michael Whitney. I’ve always had a passion for woodworking, music and design. For me, guitar making is the tangible expression of a lifetime of developed skill sets that continue to provide a vehicle for me to create in a meaningful and ever-evolving way.

Crafting instruments with a modern aesthetic while honouring tradition is my passion, and building 'dream guitars' is what drives me every day. Combining innovation with a respect for the past, I strive to create instruments that not only look beautiful but also produce exceptional sound. Each day presents an opportunity for me to push the boundaries of my craft and deliver instruments that exceed expectations.

1975-1993

GRANDPA'S BENCH

Some of my earliest memories are of times spent with my late grandfather in his workshop. I remember sitting atop his workbench in my pyjamas at five-years-old and happily hammering away (tongue out for full effect). My grandfather never tried to dissuade me. I learned later that he would patiently remove all the nails I hammered in, giving me a clean slate for my next visit.

In later years, I have fond memories of spending time together building tables, shelves and other projects; it was much more than this, though. For me, the workshop was a sanctuary, of sorts, to share stories; to bring things to life from out of the ether; and to learn important life lessons such as patience, respect and attention to detail.

In fact, my grandfather taught me many things; shake hands with a firm grip; look a person in the eyes when speaking to them; always respect machinery; stay humble. Often, when I’m in my shop I can still feel his presence. In this way, the workshop puts me back in touch with myself – it’s a place that gives back.

1993-1994

GUITAR STUDIES

With high-school in the pocket, our band having dissolved and life taking us all in our own separate ways, 1994 found me in Nelson, BC to attend Jazz studies at Selkirk College’s music program. The focus of the program was on ear-training, composition, history, theory and performance.

With the grunge era in full-swing, Jazz offered sweet counterpoint. These were great times filled with fond memories and also provided some pivotal experiences in terms of greater independence, exploration and self-discovery.

I completed my studies at Selkirk and then after some backpacking in Europe, hit Vancouver to start a new chapter.

Web_And_Grafik_Website-And-Grapic-Design

1996-2016

GRAPHIC DESIGN & WEB DEVELOPMENT

I've loved graphic arts and typography from a young age. In 1996, I was brought on-board with an interior design company for a mentorship with some highly talented scenic painters and airbrush artists from the film industry. Over the span of four years, I began working independently as an airbrush artist, muralist and sign-writer creating commissioned works all over the city.

In addition to being a team lead for creating period-specific ‘themed’ interiors ranging from Cuban cigar bars to Art-Deco-inspired Jazz lounges, I was commissioned by various liquor companies such as Molson, Sleeman, Growers, and Jose Cuervo to hand-paint realistic large-scale advertisements in Vancouver pubs and nightclubs.

In 2000, I decided to take my creative talents to the digital platform and earned a degree in graphic design, web development and eCommerce. I then ran my own company, ‘Web + Grafik’ until 2016.

2003-2006

OF CHANGING LANES

& BUILDING OF CHARACTER

In 2003 I mostly abandoned my creative endeavours to pursue a career with the Canadian Army as an infantry soldier. My reasons for joining were to work at something larger than myself. The idea of becoming a peace-keeper and helping war-torn communities to rebuild and to mitigate conflict, resonated with me. In my mid-twenties, I began to look at the world through a broader lens; I wanted to contribute. I wanted to develop character. I desired a brotherhood and camaraderie.

This all changed when I suffered a debilitating back injury during a training exercise, and subsequently, was medically released after three years of service. This forced me to reevaluate my direction and sense of purpose. Ironically, it may have also saved my life as this was the peak of conflict in Afghanistan and Canada’s role had changed from that of ‘Peacekeeping’ to ‘Peacemaking’. Many of my colleagues didn't return home.

Michael Whitney - Audiology, Hearing Specialist

2006-2017

SOUND SCIENCE

Leading up to my military release, I began working toward completing a hearing health sciences degree. My wife is a speech-language pathologist and I had become interested in pursuing a career in the field of Audiology, it’s “brother” profession.

By April of 2007, after completing my provincial board exams, I was certified to practice in the British Columbia and successfully ran my own clinic for more than a decade. Despite this success, I felt an inner longing and emptiness as my creative talents weren't being satisfied. This led to some deep soul-searching and at the end of 2017 I resigned from my healthcare position to pursue my creative interests - not the easiest of choices with a mortgage and family in tow, but a necessary one on so many levels.

2017-2018

HAVE A CIGAR

In my 30s, my sole focus was on acquisition and building a family – all the boxes were ‘ticked’… almost. At 42, I began to seriously consider what would afford me the most happiness and balance in my life. I uncovered an obvious truth; I was the most satisfied when I was creating and I knew I wanted to work in my own shop.

I began building many projects – a few of which were cigar box guitars. While an elementary approach to guitar building, I will never forget the fire that was lit when I first strung up that guitar and plugged it in!

It wasn’t long before I began reaching out to luthiers as close as Vancouver to as far away as Israel, in hopes of gaining an apprenticeship. Ironically, it was in my own backyard that I stumbled upon an unassuming workshop with a simple sign that read ‘Luthier’.

No doubt sensing my enthusiasm, the shop owner, Bill Okos (of Laughing Tree Guitars) graciously invited me in and before long, offered me an apprenticeship position with him. I was elated. I spent the next year repairing instruments, meeting great people and working on some of my first acoustic guitars. For the first time in my life, things felt ‘right’.

Michael Whitney - Summit School of Guitar Building

2019

APPROACHING THE SUMMIT

Within a few weeks of my apprenticeship with Bill, I knew that guitar making was my calling. Being an extremely busy repair and restoration shop I saw huge value in the variety of instruments and players I was getting exposed to. I also found my hunger to learn to build was growing.

In January of 2019, I enrolled in the one-year Masters Program for Guitar Building and Repair at Summit School on Vancouver Island. I studied under Norwegian luthier, Sigmund Johannessen and my focus in the program was to build Gypsy jazz guitars using traditional construction methods.

The program was a fully-immersive ‘deep-dive’ into guitar building and hands-on work. It was one of the best years of my life.

2020-PRESENT

WHITNEY GUITARS IS BORN

Dust officially flew at Whitney Guitars & The Whitney School of Guitar Building on January 2020.

I now continue to build a reputation as a prominent Canadian luthier specializing in Steel-stringed Acoustic Guitars and Gypsy Jazz guitars in the Selmer-Maccaferri style.

Additionally, I enjoy teaching others the art of guitar making and offer a limited number of guitar building courses spanning six months of a given calendar year here in the Okanagan, BC Canada.

TESTIMONIALS

A HIGHLY SKILLED GUITAR BUILDER...

MICHAEL IS A HIGHLY SKILLED GUITAR BUILDER WITH A LOT OF CAPABILITIES. I HAVE ALREADY WORKED WITH HIM ON ONE PROJECT AND HIS PRODUCT, SERVICES AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL ARE TOP NOTCH. I LOOK FORWARD TO COLLABORATING MORE WITH HIM IN THE FUTURE!!

TOMMY DAVY / LAGUNA BEACH CA, USA
~Guitarist, Historian & Guitar Technician - DjangoGuitars.com

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