Dogwood Guitars

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I build guitars, not because the world needs more guitars but because the world needs guitars with better tone. My guitars are made one at a time using carefully selected tops that have been tested for sonic superiority using a cutting-edge computer-assisted process. These tops are matched with beautiful select tonewoods to make extraordinary guitars that are both beautiful and responsive. You’ll hear the clarity and balance that results from my computer-assisted voicing process. Custom rosettes and shell inlay are available to make your Dogwood Guitar a one-of-a-kind instrument.

gregAll my guitars feature specially graded tops, carefully selected side and back woods, solid wood bindings, custom Dogwood peghead and bridges, hot hide glue construction (the traditional luthier’s glue known for excellent tonal transfer properties and strength), and bone nuts and saddles. I use nitrocellulose lacquer for a high gloss traditional finish that won’t dampen tone. Each guitar is hand voiced and tuned using a combination of ear and software, making the process both art and science.

I have over 30 years worth of high end woodworking experience and I’ve played guitar both on stage and in the studio since high school. I have a passion for excellence and while I love a beautiful guitar my first priority is tone. After all, anyone with the right tools and some skill can make a pretty guitar, but if the tone is average its just another guitar. I studied under Bryan Galloup with a special focus on learning what makes a great guitar (or an average one) sound the way it does. My quest is to make your Dogwood guitar the standout in your collection, both in appearance as well as in responsiveness, clarity, balance, and depth.

Greg Maxwell

Customer Testimonials: Taylor 12 string setup

I had a well known luthier in Columbus do a setup on my custom Taylor 12 string including having a bone saddle and nut made. The work seemed good but a while later while using the guitar for recording I noticed a strange light buzzing sound in the B … [Read More...]

Making a Spalted Maple Rosette

The rosette on an acoustic guitar, along with the peghead and bridge designs, is a big part of the custom builder's signature. Often a particular design will immediately identify the guitar as being made by a specific individual. Perhaps the amazing … [Read More...]

Lutherie Classes: Setup and Repair

Acoustic and Electric Guitar Repair and Setup Classes … [Read More...]

1932 Martin 0-18 Parlor Guitar

It's not often that a luthier has the opportunity to work on a pre-war Martin. This little 1932 Parlor 0-18 came to the shop in very rough condition. It took a tumble down some stairs, resulting in a long crack in the treble side of the body and … [Read More...]

Customer Testimonial: Gibson Setup

"I thought my new Gibson acoustic played pretty well until I had Greg set it up for me. Wow! I could tell a real difference in the action. Based on that experience I had him do a fret dress on an older Ibanez and again, I was surprised at how much … [Read More...]

Mastery of Craft

As a high end artisan woodworker of over 30 years, Greg's passion for excellence is a hallmark of his instruments. Every Dogwood guitar reflects this dedication to fine craftsmanship. All the skills required to make exceptional high end guitars- … [Read More...]

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