Joe and his wife Betsy live and work in the rural hills of Southern  Indiana just
outside of Batesville where Joe grew up. After graduating from Indiana University in 1976, they moved to Phoenix, Arizona. Both worked while Joe attended Roberto Venn School of Lutherie. This was the beginning of a long love affair with music
and instrument building.

After moving back to Indiana in the late 70’s, Joe continued to build and repair
instruments on a limited basis. Commitments, life choices and careers did not allow Joe to make Lutherie a full time profession. Now, almost 30 years later, Joe is finally able to follow his dream. 

Years of working in the construction industry as a home builder (his own),
cabinetmaker, custom casework, and design engineer have kept Joe in touch
with all things wood. Playing guitar and mandolin with friends and the bluegrass band “Clearfork” have helped keep him involved in all things music. He has been playing his own instruments for over twenty years.

Over the years Joe’s shop evolved beginning in an unfinished spare bedroom with a band saw and router table, to a basement shop as his tool collection grew, to the new garage (which unfortunately left no room for cars).  Joe completed his custom 2000 sq ft shop and studio in 2001. It was truly a labor of love.  Today’s shop was specifically designed for building acoustic instruments, incorporating many specialized tools as well as heat and humidity control.  Joe’s shop turns out high quality A and F style mandolins, acoustic guitars, dulcimers and ukuleles.