The Music Loft was started in1996 in Arlington, Va. The store’s humble beginnings were the result of another well known local music store, Allstar music, deciding to relocate to sunny Florida! I was the in-house instrument repair technician for Allstar. With seed money, a belief in my ability, and a store name all provided from my best friend and partner Krista Hale, the Music Loft opened for lessons and repairs in August 96. The Music Loft Arlington closed in July 2004 after eight years of service in the community.

The focus of my work at the stores has always been on instrument repair, but lessons and sales of accessories have always been a part of the Music Loft. My reason for not wanting to be in the "sales" end of new instruments (we sold new guitars at Allstar, and lots of used ones…) is simple

"Show me two trees, identically alike, and I’ll believe two guitars can be built alike". After handling thousands of guitars and other stringed instruments in my ten plus years as a full time instrument repair person I have yet to find consistency in any instrument made of natural materials (wood!) honestly speaking, NO MATTER WHO MAKES THE INSTRUMENT, THERE ARE JUST GOOD ONES AND BAD ONES…brand names, cost and even types of materials just add to the confusion. When it comes to buying musical instruments, I believe my best advice may be set a budget, and wear a blindfold! Some of the "mystery" surrounding this may simply be that some woods, when combined into a stringed instrument, vibrate more in sympathy to musical tones better than others. Even within the same tree. Older woods do tend to turn out better instruments, but that doesn’t make every "vintage" instrument a great one. The averages are just much better because production numbers were lower, their was more "old growth" lumber available (trees that are only 40 years old are commonly used for new lower grade instrument wood) and the "big three" F-G-M, with G-M being "acoustically competitive"( I think everyone knows what I mean, I just don’t want to use brand names) didn’t build ANYWHERE NEAR the amount of guitars that are built today by these same companies, along with the "two new guys" P*S building electrics only a stones throw from my shop, T building acoustics only on the "left" coast... Types of woods used in acoustic and electric instrument construction tend to run in a very time tested and "traditional" formula. Spruce, cedar, or maple for tops, Ash, Rosewood, mahogany, or maple for sides, backs, bodies and necks. Many modern acoustic and electric guitar builders have designed and sold instruments in the last two decades that vary from these traditions and some of their instruments sound wonderful! Best to trust your ears because: NO TWO INSTRUMENTS SOUND ALIKE! THE SAME THING APPLIES TO ELECTRIC (Solid body) GUITARS (and other "plank or log" type instruments like lap steels, "mandocasters", etc…) One more note, stringed instruments go out of adjustment by nature. Usage, handling, temperature, and humidity all affect stringed instruments adjustment. AN OUT OF ADJUSTMENT INSTRUMENT CAN NEVER PLAY OUR SOUND TO ITS FULL POTENTIAL OR LET YOU TO DO THE SAME!!!

In 2002, after almost two decades of living and being involved in the DC metro area music scene I decided to move my repair shop back home to the Eastern shore along with myself. In July of 2002, I "officially" opened the Music Loft Bayside.

Once again, my focus is on instrument repair, especially high end and vintage instrument repair and restoration, although I treat them all the same way because I love them all the same… I have the ability at the shop to do everything from simple re-stringing to extensive structural damage repair, full and partial re-frets, and neck resets. Custom electronics and pickup installation too! I have spent a considerable amount of money and time to learn and have on hand all of the latest repair techniques and tools. My past list of National clients include: Bill Kirchen, The Nighthawks, Fugazi, Vertical Horizon, The Pietasters, The Graverobbers, Last Train Home, Eddie from Ohio, Larry Burnett of Firefall, and hundreds of professional and part time DC-MD-VA Metro area musicians…

CALL ME OR SEND ME AN EMAIL FOR APPOINTMENT OR INFO!!!