KLEPPER

Every guitar I build is a one-of-a-kind, custom instrument. I have no standard model names or numbers. I work slowly; my output is about 10 guitars each year. I build as much as possible from raw materials, including making parts that many builders buy ready-made, such as liner blocks, fretboards, bridges, strap buttons, and purflings. I design and make my own marquetry purflings (the well-known "herringbone" is one example of marquetry). Your Klepper guitar will be truly handmade, by one set of hands: my own... A word about tonewood grading: The last few years have seen a lot of "grade inflation" in the tonewoods business. Thirty years ago, the highest grade was AAA. Then some dealers began to distinguish especially good sets with an AAAA or Master grade. Most of the older, established dealers have stayed with that system. But recently many other wood dealers, and some guitar companies, have tried to distinguish their woods with new grades that may be confusing to both guitar makers..