Dave "Stew" Stewart started building guitars about 11 years ago. Since he was no longer satisfied with factory built guitars, Stew wanted to build something that met the needs of his guitar playing skills. What developed was a transition from mere building to creating works of art. Stew was intrigued with the notion, "why can't a piece of art be functional as well?"
With each successful crazy idea, Stew began building one-offs, unique one of a kind artistic ideas that incorporated his love for nostagia and his love of the electric guitar. Somehow, each crazy creation transformed well on the wooden canvas.
After a few years, Stew started meeting other guitar luthiers (John Page and Dennis Galuszka from the Fender Custom Shop) and started a relationship with these builders, bouncing ideas, techniques and tips on how to build the ultimate guitar. From Tribute models, to full on crazy designs that look like wooden citrus packing crates, Stew builds each guitar one at at time, using familiar body shapes and tones. He goes to great lengths to get the desired results whether it's researching 1973 GE refrigerator color codes, or studying details regarding marine biology.
Stew's not out to re-invent the wheel, he just wants to build creative themes around an amazingly playable and wonderful sounding guitar. And Stew believes he's achieved that.
So if it's something to hang in your den or to jam at your favorite local open mic night, you're sure to enjoy a Stewmade guitar.
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