About Luthier Bob Gernandt
Maker of Mountain Dulcimers, Irish Bouzoukis, Citterns, Mandolins, and Guitars
Spending much of my life in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, it was just a matter of time before being introduced to the Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer. By 1977, I began playing and building dulcimers. Quiet, soothing, and very portable, the dulcimer went everywhere with me for many years. The response to my dulcimers was so positive, it inspired me to continue building.
The influence of Irish music in the dulcimer circles introduced me to an instrument that was largely unknown, the Irish Bouzouki. I began building Irish Bouzoukis and Citterns (a 10-stringed version of the Bouzouki) early on, which eventually led to all mandolin family instruments. Requests for a variety of flat-top and arch-top guitars soon followed. The lutherie bug had bitten hard. This has led to a wonderful life of building and playing stringed instruments, which has also expanded to custom electric guitars.
Largely self-taught in the beginning, I engaged in a great deal of experimentation. The lessons learned have made me the experienced Luthier I am today. Now a member of several Luthier guilds, I also immerse myself in any and all information on the subject of lutherie.
Stringed Instrument Construction and Philosophy
I build a limited number of stringed instruments per year, and many years of experience goes into each and every instrument. Each is individually handcrafted, assuring the highest quality attainable. I am constantly striving to perfect all aspects of my instruments. Great care goes toward balancing tone, playability, and aesthetics.
Most of my instruments are built to order. I truly enjoy forming a relationship with the customer. Discovering personal tastes, playing styles, design preferences, woods, tone choices, aesthetics (just to name a few variables) all become part of a critical recipe. Combining all of these ensures that the customer receives a unique “one-of-a-kind” personal players tool. My ultimate goal is to build instruments that inspire artists to continue playing and creating.
Standard models are also available, and are built with the same care and attention to detail as the custom instruments.
Only the highest quality materials are used. Solid wood construction, high gloss lacquer finish, quality tuners and hardware, Mother of Pearl or Abalone are all Standard.
Wood choices include but are not limited to: Rosewood, Ebony, Koa, Mahogany, Walnut, Cherry, Maple, Redwood, Western Cedar, Sitka /Red / Engelman Spruce.
I look forward to talking to you about creating your dream instrument.
Bob Gernandt, Luthier
828-488-1144
Limited Warranty
All Gernandt Stringed Instruments are warranted to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship. This does not include wear from normal use or damage due to abuse, neglect, accident or extreme climate changes (temperature and humidity).
Some minor shrinking or settling of finish is considered normal and therefore is not covered.
Any unauthorized modifications could void warranty. Shipping charges for warranty work is the owners responsibility.
