J.S. Bogdanovich Guitars
My guitar building career began in 1997 on the northern coast of California in Fort Bragg. The town of Fort Bragg is also the host of the Fine Woodworking Program at the College of the Redwoods. After completing the woodworking program there, and having been the first student to build a musical instrument at the school, I began making guitars full time, and J.S. Bogdanovich Guitars was launched in a small storefront shop off of Main Street. A lot has happened since then.
In the first few years of JSB Guitars my time was split between building and playing. Performing mostly at local venues, it was very rewarding to be abe to survive solely from the guitar. Blessed with increasing interest in my instruments and no longer able to devote as much time to playing, my focus turned entirely to building. Although I can still play a piece or two, now it is solely for enjoyment.
The shop was later moved from Fort Bragg to Albion where it was located on a llama farm owned by Pat and Jerry Thomas. The shop was built in the hayloft above the barn. Part of the rental agreement included caring for the animals one week out of every month. Living and working on the farm was an experience I was fortunate to have had.
In 2004 the shop was moved to Asheville, NC (pictured above). The move was difficult but well worth the effort. And now, after just three years, we are moving again. This time it's just down the road to Swannanoa. A new shop is being built at the new location which is situated in beautiful mountain surroundings. We are very excited about moving and I am looking forward to working in the new setting. Since moving to Asheville guitars have been in great demand and the waiting list has grown. New things have been added to the mix such as the book, products, and classes. With all that has happened one thing remains, it is all about producing quality instruments for musicians.
There is a saying that you know you are in the right business if you like the people you are doing business with, for me this rings true. The guitarists that I have come to know through guitar making have been wonderful. Most remain in contact, some have become friends. Being a guitarist, or a luthier, in today's world is not easy. These are things I understand first hand, and, at heart I guess I am still a guitarist myself.
