About Paul Woolson

I’ve been drawn to guitars for as long as I can remember. Even as a kid, I wanted to understand how they worked—how wood, tension, and design came together to create a voice. After seven years as a graphic designer in the corporate world, I realized my real passion lived at the intersection of woodworking and music. In 2001, I committed fully to lutherie, completing my training at the American School of Lutherie and working with Charles Fox, whose mentorship and generous praise helped shape my approach to the craft.

In 2003, I moved my shop from Phoenix to Madison, Wisconsin, where I continue to build guitars by hand, one at a time. Working independently allows me to maintain complete control over every aspect of construction—from material selection to voicing to final setup. I’m obsessive about quality, and I want every instrument that carries my name to earn it.

My guitars incorporate structural and aesthetic choices that give them a distinct tonal identity. I favor clean, understated design that highlights the natural beauty of the materials rather than competing with it. The goal is always the same: clarity, balance, and a voice that feels alive in the player’s hands.

I’ve built instruments for musicians across a wide range of styles, and I enjoy the collaborative process of helping each player discover the guitar that feels—and sounds—like home.