APPROACh

I’m trying to build the instrument that you want and need.

  It’s all about the sound and playability. I am building instruments to satisfy the most discerning with a level of craft required to give the professional player an instrument that inspires and is responsive to their touch.   I came to luthiery as in a roundabout way; as a musician first and then as a builder and repair person. I hope that my range and years of experience playing, repairing, studying instruments and building them by hand has given me the tools to deliver the finest instruments to you. 

This is a singular craft that is about careful consideration and refinement of every part; all in the goal of building a meaningful, superbly functional, and aesthetically pleasing object. 

It’s not just about fine woodworking or construction techniques and plans. The woodworking aspect is a means to an end. It’s about you and what you hear and feel, and having all that come together with the right design and materials to create an object to make music with and ultimately inspire you. 

The process is a collaborative one.  

All of the choices in materials and design are the collaborative vision between us.   Every aspect is considered with regards to ergonomics, aesthetics, and sound production.  I want to build an instrument that fits you: your hand size, aesthetic, and your playing style. Understanding your needs is the most important aspect of building a custom instrument.  I look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Max Sipe

Feel more comfortable with a phone call?
You can reach me at 503-706-0910 during business hours on the West Coast.

Luthier & Musician

My journey into lutherie is a natural one. 

As a kid I was always drawing and making model planes and cars. Simultaneously, I was involved in music.  I had piano lessons starting in the 1st grade and I played music all the way thru college. 

I graduated with a BA in music from the University of Portland and studied classical guitar with Jeffrey Ashton and Scott Kritzer as well as attending numerous master classes.  While teaching music and performing after graduation,  I was always preoccupied with other projects: building furniture, painting cars, fiberglassing, etc... which led to me to try my hand at lutherie.  

It was a good feeling to be able to connect two of my passions - music and a hands-on construction project.  I made my first guitar in 2005 and I've been hooked ever since.  I am mostly self taught, but I am also lucky to live in a place where I am surrounded by gifted luthiers with whom I can learn and share.  

Doing repair work is a wonderful way to study the craft.

I worked for about 6 years in Kerry Char’s workshop repairing instruments and helping him with his custom builds. It was a great learning experience and helped me raise the bar to what I wanted to do with my own building. Being able to study instruments from the Baroque to the present is invaluable in shaping ones perspective.  Also, the work itself; things like completing hundreds of re-frets and neck resets build an invaluable skill set.