Profiles in Loothing: Michael Bashkin

@theloothgroup contributing partner, Michael Bashkin looths out of his very well equipped, 1000 sq ftshop in Fort Collins, Co where he builds world class steel string guitars under his own name. Michael’s guitars are meticulously designed and magnificently crafted which sound as unique as they are appointed and play as delightfully as they are beautiful. As many of us in this business know, that is not an easy balancing act to pull off. Michael began his adventure in lutherie nearly 30 years ago and “after years of experimentation and exploration”, as he puts it, Bashkin guitars was formed in 1998.

Michael considers himself a “lifelong student of wood”, and not just casually. Michael is also a scientist whose graduate studies at Colorado State University and post-graduate research at Duke University along with years of teaching tropical forestry in Belize, Central America have given him an insight into the qualities and character of wood that few other luthiers possess. Michael has also collaborated with James Roadman (@jroadman) to design and create the “Bashkin Gramil” It wouldn’t be a surprise to hear that when asked, What’s your favorite tool? Michael responds with “Anything made by James Roadman”.

Many of us know Michael as the host of the Luthier-on-Luthier Podcast, which he’s been hosting since 2017, chatting with the best looths in the industry. He has also collaborated with Robbie O’Brien (@obrienguitars) to produce online courses in Fretting and Neck Resetting for the Lutherie Academy. Michael has also been a regular contributor to American Lutherie, The Journal of The Guild of American Luthiers.

We, at the Looth Group have been delighted to have Michael as a contributing member and are ecstatic that he has agreed to become a contributing partner. He will be hosting the Guitar Builder Council of Elders episodes, writing articles and creating content for the group on its various platforms. The breadth of his experience along with the knowledge and skill he brings to the table are a welcome addition to the Looth Group.

www.bashkinguitars.com
@bashkin_guitars