Thoughtful design, fine craftsmanship, attention to detail: these characterize John Kilpatrick’s approach to building guitars.

Born and raised in Ajax, Ontario, Kilpatrick studied guitar-building under internationally renowned luthier Sergei De Jonge. De Jonge then invited Kilpatrick to apprentice with him for six months in Oshawa, Ontario, and for an additional year at De Jonge’s new workshop in Chelsea, Quebec.

Kilpatrick’s ability as a luthier runs deep. He has a long-standing interest in fine woodworking and instrument building. (As a student, he built an electric guitar and a dulcimer; he also profiled guitar-builder William “Grit” Laskin, in an interview/article entitled “Art, Craft, and Technique.”) In university, he studied fine art and art history; he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Allison University in New Brunswick. He’s been a songwriter, musician, and lover of music for as long as he can remember. When Kilpatrick builds a guitar, all of these interests come into play. They are evident in his care for craftsmanship, in his aesthetic sense, and in his keen attention to the tone of each instrument he creates.

Since establishing his own line of guitars in 2003, Kilpatrick has received orders from musicians across the country. He has shipped his guitars, both classical and steel-string, from coast to coast.

Each guitar is custom-built. Kilpatrick’s aim is to build a musician’s perfect instrument. He consults with his clients one-on-one about all aspects of the design: the dimensions of the instrument, the shape of the body, the types of woods to be used. All of his designs unite the finest materials with stylistic elegance. His guitars are recognized for their structural integrity, their aesthetic grace, and their tonal quality.