Semi-hollow electric guitar Makers & Luthiers in United States

Hi there! It's pronounced uh-GAH-pay. My name is Rich Chaffins. Some things about my guitars and building philosophy in no particular order: My guitars are built with tonal versatility and ease of playing in mind. I feel strongly that minor cosmetic imperfections are things of beauty, and reflect us as imperfect, yet beautiful beings. I will often leave them, especially when they speak to me about certain aspects of the human condition. I build every instrument to work with you, not against you.

I create highly resonant semi-hollowbody guitars and am the keeper and current builder of R.C. Allen's laminated archtop guitars. I also build somewhat traditional acoustic and solid body guitars as well as semi-hollowbody basses. When possible I use salvaged old growth wood, especially redwood as it's abundant here. Each instrument is custom built for a client although I tend to have a few in stock for sale at any one time.

The things you see here are the collective product of years and years of dedicated study of the guitar and are prime examples of precision, craftsmanship, and dilligent human endeavor. Absolutely none of it came into this world easily.