Charles Shifflett Acoustic Guitars
I’m Charles Shifflett and I’m a ‘certified’ luthier.
You may know that a luthier is someone foolish enough to make their living as a maker and repairer of wooden, stringed, musical instruments…
I have made guitars for many musicians, some you may know including George Canyon, Jim Peace, Calum Graham, Vladimir Kaitman, Joe Vinikow, Mel Wilson and lots more that you are less likely to know, (but of course they are also obviously very discriminating players)!
I make each instrument with great care, attention to detail, and (alas) decades of experience. I am what is sometimes called a ‘One Off’ builder. I have built a matched pair of guitars but so far I have never built two guitars exactly the same. Often guitar makers ‘jig-up’ and make guitars in small batches. 3 to 6 is common. (factories often build in batches of 50 – 100) They do this in order to be more efficient making parts and in an attempt to make a better income. Considering how difficult it can be to make a living at this, I really don’t blame anyone for trying to make a decent living, but I could not be happy building that way, it would just take the fun out of it for me.
Contact me to discuss your project, and what it will take to make it a reality.
Artist Spotlight: Calum Graham
From Calum’s website:
Guitar Virtuoso Calum Graham has been blasting his way through the Alberta music scene. Known as “the Kid with the Golden Hands”; the 18-year–old fretwork phenom has a dynamic and upbeat style, and is at the forefront of a new generation in music.
“You gotta love Calum, He brings life to the acoustic guitar and knows how to use entertainment to bring the artistry of acoustic music to the masses” Don Alder – 2009
Calum comments on Shifflett guitars:
Here’s my latest instrument. A Shifflett Custom. Charles handbuilt it for me!
Here it is in the building stages, Chuck is one of the most amazing people I have ever met. He is so kind, honest and always gives me his best price. I will be a supporter of Shifflett guitars for as long as I live.
Words From The Wood Shed: Coming Soon
Stay tuned to this article spot for various instrument features, announcements, how-tos, rants and all that kind of good stuff!!