Tonewood Masters is a multi-media initiative that honors the artistry of master luthiers and the creativity of master guitarists, illuminating the inspiration and innovation that drive both makers and players. To these ends, Tonewood Masters aims to become the vibrant nexus where the art of crafting and playing fine guitars is elevated and amplified—and in the process, establish Tonewood Masters as the new epicenter and platform for all that is excellent in the field of fine guitars and its players. And then we take it to the streets.

The Big Idea

Organized as a non-profit with a mission to inspire human flourishing through music (with a focus on at-risk youth via educational resources and competitions), a centerpiece of the project is the Tonewood Masters Collection of fine modern and vintage instruments—acoustic, electric, archtop, classical, and specialty—splendidly presented in film, a permenant exhibit, and a special edition slip-cased, signed and numbered hardcover coffee table book. The project features:
  • A permanent exhibit, where the collection will be available to invited and visiting artists to play and record.
  • A high-production value film series showcasing a novel competition that pairs celebrity guitarists with at-risk youth, and a documentary series dedicated to the inspiring art and craft of guitarmaking, with artists playing and discussing the Tonewood Masters collection. The series production also includes captivating performances, workshops, and visits to the shops of renowned luthiers.
  • Production and compilation of companion recordings, as well as curated streaming playlists featuring the Tonewood Masters collection and artists’ performances through our Shadegrown Music label.
  • Continuing editorial support via Collectible Guitar, Guitar Habit, and other partnered media.

Tonewood Masters Mentors

Beyond all this wonder are our special educational programs through Tonewood Masters Mentors, dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of at-risk youth. The heart and soul of Tonewood Masters, our Mentors program works to inspire and empower youth through music. By providing guitars and pairing young people with dedicated mentor-teachers, Tonewood Masters Mentors seeks to foster creativity, personal growth, and resilience. The program’s objectives include:
  • Production of a high-energy film series about celebrity guitarists mentoring at-risk youth in a year-long competition.
  • Providing guitars to youth in underserved communities.
  • Offering regular mentorship, music lessons, and group events.
  • Building a community of support and belonging for young participants.
In sum, the Tonewood Masters project showcases the harmonious interplay between the artisans who craft exquisite guitars and the virtuosos who bring them to life. Just as the makers challenge the conventions of traditional guitar building by blending time-honored techniques with groundbreaking innovations, the players push the boundaries of the instrument's expressive potential through their forays into uncharted musical landscapes. United in their passion, these Tonewood Masters—the makers and the players—are the vanguards of a new era in guitar artistry, one that honors the instrument's storied past while sculpting its future. Through this symbiotic relationship, they elevate the guitar to new heights of craftsmanship, creativity, and musical expression, leaving an indelible mark on the ever-evolving world of music. In the process, the Tonewood Masters Mentors program extends this vision by empowering at-risk youth through music to inspire creativity, resilience, and personal growth in underserved communities.

Where It Happens

The Bainbridge Island Carriage House, nestled on a tranquil 5-acre farm, is home to the Tonewood Masters Collection and Tonewood Labs Studio. Currently undergoing a purpose-built transformation from the studs up, the Carriage House will host an inspiring exhibition and recording environment for experiencing the Tonewood Masters collection and archives. Additionally, a historic barn on the property, constructed of hand-hewn timber, will provide a warm, intimate setting for concerts.

Tonewood Masters—the Book

Tonewood Masters is a unique and immersive multimedia project that explores the world of guitars— acoustic, electric, archtop, classical, and specialty—the artisans who craft them, and the musicians who bring them to life. At the heart of this project is a stunning coffee table book, featuring the extraordinary Tonewood Masters Collection of fine modern and selected vintage instruments, accompanied by the stories, histories, and anecdotes of the guitars, their makers, and their players. The book features stunning original photography of the guitars in beautiful locations around Bainbridge Island, WA.
This special book, written and produced by John Schroeter, founding publisher of Fingerstyle Guitar magazine, editor of Between the Strings, and co-publisher of Collectible Guitar magazine, offers a rare and intimate look into the art, craft, and passion behind these remarkable instruments. "Tonewood Masters" is designed to appeal to a wide range of readers, including:
  • Guitar enthusiasts and collectors
  • Musicians and music lovers
  • Fans of coffee table books and fine art photography
  • Those interested in the history and culture of American music
  • Individuals who appreciate craftsmanship and artisanship
  • Supporters of music education and youth mentorship programs
Special features include:
  • Stunning photography showcasing the Tonewood Masters Collection in beautiful locations around Bainbridge Island, WA
  • Intimate stories and insights from renowned guitarists and luthiers
  • A comprehensive look at the history and continuing evolution of the guitar
  • Supported by multimedia companion components, including a film series and audio recordings
  • A mentorship program that gives back to the communities where it is needed most
Book Outline
  • Foreword by William Ackerman
  • Introduction: A Life in Music
  • The Alchemy of Tone: Nature, Nurture, and the Art of Guitar Making
  • The Fingerstyle Frontier: Redefining the Great Acoustic Guitar
  • The Electric Edge: Advancing the State and Sonic Horizons of the Electric Guitar
  • Profiles of Master Luthiers
  • Profiles of Iconic Guitarists
  • The Tonewood Masters Collection
  • Tonewood Masters Mentors: Empowering Youth Through Music
  • The Future of the Guitar
  • Acknowledgments and Resources
Tonewood Masters is more than a book; it's an ongoing event—a celebration of the art, craft, and passion that goes into creating and playing these extraordinary instruments. Through stunning photography, engaging storytelling, and innovative multimedia components, this ambitious project is sure to inspire, educate, and delight readers, while also advancing the next generation through its mentorship program. We believe that Tonewood Masters has the potential to become the definitive work on the subject and a must-have for guitar enthusiasts, music lovers, and anyone who appreciates the power of craftsmanship and creativity.
In short, the Tonewood Masters project is designed to release the energy embodied in these special guitars to do meaningful work in the world, even as it becomes the epicenter of all that is excellent in the exciting and dynamic field of guitar in all its forms: acoustic flattop, archtop, electric, classical, and specialty.

To Learn More:

The Tonewood Masters logo, designed by Kevin Veatch, was inlaid by the world-renowned inlay artist Larry Robinson with abalone supplied by Chuck “The Duke of Pearl” Erikson into a rosewood canvas generously provided by Larrivée Guitars.