Brian Michael has worked at Gryphon Stringed Instruments for many years and his building dates back even farther than that. He's a graduate of the Roberto Venn School of Lutherie in Arizona and has since become a vital member of Gryphon's repair and restoration staff. Brian's guitars epitomize the handmade guitar experience and his attention to detail reflects the "one man shop" environment he builds in. His guitars combine one of a kind woods with impeccable playability. Since Michael guitars are made by an individual in a small shop, Brian can search far and wide for the most unique materials that just are not found in the product lines of larger makers.

Brian's obsession for designing and building guitars is the result of his musical background combined with the love of working with his hands and his education in Mechanical Engineering Technology.

"The great benefit of working in guitar repair is that you constantly find out what works and what doesn't through hands-on example. I've had the good fortune to play thousands of different guitars over the years before and after I work on them, and I often learn something from each instrument."

DESIGN:

"The main goal of my design of the 79 model was to combine exceptional tonewoods that many have come to love with a comfortable, stylish body shape that responds to each player's style with ease and versatility. If you pick up a Michael for the first time, I think you will be surprised not only at the playability and quality of the acoustic sound, but at how comfortable the 79 feels.