Cartouche Guitars

01/23/2026

I googled a replacement handle for a carving tool and now Skool wants me to “monetize my carving handle know how” and teach people to make rainbow colored carving tools I guess….. seems like a massive opportunity!

10/01/2025

Ken Parker is the most gifted maker I have ever seen whose work shows both the creativity of an artist and precision of a machinist. If you’ve had any interest in building guitars yourself, his Archtoppery series on YouTube is a gift to the community and a window into his process that is remarkable to watch. He’s facing some health struggles at present, consider giving if you can and join me in wishing him well!

Our dear friend and legendary luthier, Ken Parker, is facing a challenging time as he undergoes cancer treatments. Many of you know Ken from his incredible contributions to the world of guitar building, and we've had the honor of hosting Ken at AGS.

Ken has set up a GoFundMe (https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-ken-parker-in-his-struggle-with-cancer) to help with the significant costs of his treatments. Let's show our support for a true master and a wonderful person. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference.

Please consider donating and sharing this post to help Ken focus on his recovery.

11/19/2024

Some shots of the Oriole Hollowbody. Guitar features the Seymour Duncan P-Rails under gold foil covers. All manner of switchability is achievable via the sliders on the triple shot rings... push pull switch to get those out of phase sounds out of the middle pickup as well. Cool build!

10/26/2024

I try to give each guitar a theme and design inlay and paint schemes around that concept… this the Biue Jay 💙

10/22/2024

Was up late with and and stumbled into what I felt was some nice lighting. Decided to get out the camera for a little impromptu photo shoot. I should note, the chair is a piece I made as well as the guitar, so kind of a nice representation of who I am as a craftsman. Hit me up if you'd like more information, I've got some build slots upcoming and I'd love to make you something special. Let me know what you think! Cheers!

04/22/2024

Had a great weekend at the Artisan Guitar Show, so many remarkable builders and players in attendance! Thank you to everybody that stopped by to say “hi” and to check out our instruments, really appreciate the kind words. Cheers to Phil on his new guitar; he had to wrestle this away from me as I have grown quite attached to it. One last picture with her for the road and l look forward to next year! Cheers!

02/05/2024

Finishing up the outside carve of another 13.5” Electric Body Archtop, this one in European Spruce. Plan right now is for a Curly Koa back and side set, hit me up if you’re interested for an opportunity to personalize this build!

02/02/2024

I’m digging this one in Baltimore Orange! Getting close! I went with P rails and triple shot selector switches for split, series, parallel… and a phase switch, making this an extremely versatile guitar!