Reviews
“I was showing the pictures of [my guitar] “Grand Complications” around the NAMM show to the expected ooohs and aaahs, which were embellished by the fact that I explained it sounded even better than it looked. While talking with Bill…”
Henry Lowenstein, CEO of The Newport Guitar Show, Florida,
“It’s stunning! I absolutely love it! It’s tremendous—everything I’d hoped it would be, and more on top. I love the inlay!”
Bill Kaman (Kaman Industries—Ovation Guitars)
“I can’t even tell you how incredible this gift is. The artistry and craftsmanship is beyond words. I had my wife with me as we opened the box. I made sure we went slowly and first opened the envelope. I…”
Darrius Thompson, California
“We think you are one of the most talented artist of our time!”
Andy Oatman, Bishline Banjos, Oklahoma
“It is everything I hoped it would be, and more. It has transformed my playing already. I can do things with it I couldn’t do before… and I just love the sound. People can definitely tell the difference. I have…”
Geo, Vancouver
“I have started this letter several times over the last few months only to realize that there is no way for inked words on a page to parallel the striking beauty and sound of my new Laskin Guitar. During the…”
Jeff Abolofia, Seattle.
“Anybody who has seen his work or read his book knows he is one of the most talented inlay artists of our time. The aesthetics, style and precision of his craft are just off the charts…very high level work with…”
Paul Reed Smith, PRS Guitars
“Grit, the guitar is the cat’s whiskers! I’m amazed by the power you’ve managed to coax out of it. I’ve just been noodling in dropped-D and it’s delivering a very rich bottom end. The neck is gorgeous and I’m getting…”
Thibaut Lefort
“The more I played that new guitar of yours, the more I realized that it is possibly the best sounding flattop I’ve ever played. Seriously. Thanks so much!!!”
David Wren, The Twelfth Fret Guitarists Pro-Shop, Toronto
“Grit, I wanted you to know that I am just thrilled with the guitar. It has “duelled” against martins, a Collings and various others, and was a clear winner. It is just terrific. Very responsive, loud, full of character, absolutely…”
Mike Pedersen, London, Eng
“I could not have imagined a more exquisite instrument. The inlay is perfect in every respect. I could not be more pleased. The guitar is likewise beyond what I had hoped for in tonality and comfort. It is simply a…”
Edson Hirohata, Indonesia
“Just a quick line to thank you for a wonderful guitar. It’s a steel-sting you made for my pal Carey, in 1976. He and I worked together , the year he ordered it, but I didn’t get to see the…”
Rob Stark, Canada
“You’re a genius. Absolutely amazing. You’re brilliant. The workmanship–the whole thing. I’m unbelievably satisfied.”
Craig Snyder, New York
“Just so beautiful on every level. I’m happy that I waited the years to get this treasure.”
Jennifer Berezan, California
“Thank you, thank you, thank you! It looks, sound, plays great. Sound is just fantastic. It’s a magnificent piece.”
Benjamin Heuston, USA
“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! It is wonderful, beautiful, and everything I could have wanted. And getting rave reviews from all who hear and play it. I couldn’t be happier. I have blisters on my…”
Kathryn Macdonald, Hamilton, ON
“I’ve had the pleasure and good fortune to have known Grit Laskin since 1976 when I ordered my first of three of his fine guitars. These guitars have been used constantly by me in my professional production work, my own…”
David Norris-Elye, Toronto
“The guitar is spectacular, the art work on the peghead and on the fingerboard certainly paint the story beautifully and uniquely as only you can do. Equally with the art work is the sound, it sounds unbelievable, exactly what I…”
Michael Katz
“This really is a wonderful instrument; the voice is everything I could want and more, is so full and vibrant and has so much power, it’s almost unbelievable.”
John Knox
“Thanks for building me the finest guitar I have ever seen, heard or played.”
Bobby Fowkes
“Thank you! Inspiring craftsmanship; it’s beautiful; it’s fun; it’s mine and I’m proud to own it.”
Bill Collings (Collings Guitars, Texas)
“You are truly an artist. An instrument that inspires so much musical beauty goes far beyond the realm of craft.”
Bill Whiteacre
“You put things into my guitar that money cannot buy.”
Marie Lyons
“It’s the guitar of my dreams – but my dream life has never been this good! The thing almost plays itself. I sometimes wonder why it lets me hang around it.”
James Keelaghan
“The lines are flawless… I owe you a great deal of thanks for producing such a fine instrument.”
Steve Fulnecky
“Thank you for building such a superb instrument. It’s an inspiration.”
David Lindsay
“Thanks for a great Flamenco guitar. I performed with it 15 minutes after I got it. Excellent work!”
Ottmar Liebert
“What I got exceeded my expectations. Not only is it a great guitar to play in all different styles – it’s great for lead work, for rhythm, and the armrest will add years to my playing. Last, but by no…”
Ken Whiteley
“It is a beautiful and impressive instrument. I’m working hard to bring my playing to a level worthy of it.”
Greg Fyffe
“I feel your steel-string is the finest example of acoustic perfection and workmanship the world has to offer.”
Scott Moulton
“I’m delighted. The changes in sound that you said would happen have happened and it boggles the mind that the guitar will come to sound even better. I feel privileged to own one of your instruments.”
Richard Grice
“Aided only by his naked eye and steady hand, Grit tackles projects that would be a challenge even with computer-driven machinery. He has set a demanding standard for luthiery and single-handedly elevated inlay from mere decorative embellishment to conceptual art.”
Larry Sifel (Pearlworks, MD)
“I bought one of your guitars in 1980 and it just keeps getting better!”
John McDale
“Thank you for building such a magnificent guitar for me! The workmanship is pure art; the action and sound simply incredible!”
Larry Larrison
“Wanted you to know how impressive we think your inlay work is. Gorgeous!”
Bob and Cindy Benedetto (Benedetto Guitars, New York)
“…on Grit Laskin’s design for a right arm rest, the ‘Laskin Rest,’ Grit’s got it just about right. It is my hope that this option will become the NON cutting-edge in acoustic guitar-making. Hats off to Grit Laskin!”
Richard Norris, M.D. (Director, National Arts Medicine Centre, Bethesda, MD)
“This is the Luciano Pavoratti of guitars. The sound is angelic – like nothing we have heard. A joy to see and a symphony for the senses.”
Mandolin Brothers Ltd, Staten Island, NY
“It’s always a pleasure to hold your work. It’s wonderful seeing flawless craftsmanship, visual balance, and tasteful design.”
Richard Hamilton
“Breathtaking! Unique! Imaginative! Exquisite!”
Guitar Gallerie, Washington
“I felt I was in the presence of a ‘Grand Master’ who loves his work as a guitarmaker and a creator of art.”
Ron Gray
“…the extraordinary Grit Laskin [is] a talented guitar builder and creator of some of the most incredible inlay ever to grace a fingerboard.”
Elderly Instruments, Lansing, MI
“#1 quality guitar! Best! Amazingly perfect balanced guitar.”
Hiroki Niibori (Niibori Guitar Academies, Niibori Guitar Orchestras, Tokyo)
“You are the best of the best.”
Ken Donnell
“He makes wonderful guitars – my highest compliments.”
Beppe Gambetta
“Your craftsmanship and mastery are a great pleasure and source of tremendous enjoyment.”
Mark Kalish
“William Laskin guitars defy comparison in the same way a Rolls Royce does.”
Jim Krueger
“The first 6-string, obtained in 1983, continues to dazzle me with its purity of tone, reassuring accuracy, and sheer beauty.”
Curly Boy Stubbs (Paul Mills)
“The outstanding quality of William Laskin’s workmanship, the refinement of the inlays, the overall aesthetics of the instrument are remarkable.”
Carmelle Begin (curator, Canadian Museum of Civilization, Ottawa, ON)
“Oo-la-la, what a guitar!”
Sally Rogers
“Thank you for making such a wonderful instrument.”
Rik Emmett
“It has been a privilege to have been able to play a small part in what I feel has resulted in the finest Canadian-made Flamenco guitars, if not one of the finest in the world. William Laskin succeeded where all…”
David Phillips (Director, Flamenco Guitar School, Toronto)
“This is the finest instrument I have played in all my travels.”
Paco Pena
“He is one of the few guitarmakers in the world who is capable of making equally excellent steel-string guitars and classical guitars. And Grit is solely responsible for a ‘quantum leap’ in the artistic application of inlay to guitars.”
Roger Sadowsky (Sadowsky Guitars, New York, NY)
“…as tasteful and superb sounding as the best classical guitar we have ever heard. A truly superlative instrument in every respect.”
Mandolin Brothers Ltd.
“The tone is clear, clean, and punchy. The sound is extremely even throughout the entire tonal register. This is the rare instrument that when caressed will sing sweetly, but when played hard will roar without flinching. The search for the…”
Tom Chapin
“One of the most astonishing inlay artists in North America.”
Larry Robinson (Author, The Art of Inlay, San Francisco, CA, 1994)
“At the heart of his activity is his most important contribution of all: his beautiful and supremely musical guitars.”
Susan Warner Keene
“You’re definitely a Master.”
Mark Campellone (Campellone Guitars)
“During his career, Laskin has produced over 550 guitars of astonishing visual quality and superb musicality. His instruments are played in concert halls and recording studios around the world. For 27 years, Laskin has contributed to the centuries-old tradition of…”
1997 Saidye Bronfman Award for Excellence in Craft, selection committee
“Astounding. Beyond expectations.”
Rich Pote
“There are no other guitars like yours that I’ve been able to find anywhere on the planet, at any price. I am constantly amazed at the rich tone and voice each one of your guitars have. You’re an artist.”
Teddy Stephenson
“…And by the way, it’s pretty hard to supersede a Laskin guitar.”
Bob Taylor (Taylor Guitar Company, CA)