GUITAR MAKER - Key Persons
I should introduce myself. My name is Alton Bear Acker, and I have been an ASIA member for quite a few years. My family started me working wood when I was about ten years old, my grandfather being a furniture maker, and my father a carpenter. They taught me both crafts and I've done both for many years. In the mid seventies my woodworking entered another phase: stringed instrument making. Among other things, my grandfather had given me music training, and I became a musician outside of woodworking.
Growing up, my father, Doug Aulson, owned his own business automating machinery. One of his many customers was Larry Sifel of Pearl Works in Mechanicsville, Maryland. Doug built Larry's first CNC machines which helped him revolutionize the inlay industry.
I started working for Larry when I graduated from Salisbury University in 2002 with a graphic design degree. Studying computer-aided design (CAD) at the College of Southern Maryland and having Larry as a mentor led me to program and manufacture the 2005 double neck PRS Dragon. I enjoy using art and engineering together, as well as working with my hands-a job I didn't even know existed was a right fit for me.
ASIA has meant so much to me over the years. When I started as a builder, the internet was pretty new and information about guitars and stringed instruments was hard to come by. I was introduced to ASIA in 1999. I started to build guitars in 1998 while recovering from an accident. I was always involved in woodworking. My father was a trained Cabinetmaker / carpenter and I learned so many things from him. His love for wood and working with his hands rubbed off on me. My Father passed away in 1996 and I know would have been involved in the business with me. He was a natural talent at engineering and design. To him I credit with my ability to figure things out and my mechanic skills. He always encouraged me to try. One of his favorite expressions was, "If you don't do it yourself, you won't learn."
Michael Dickinson was born in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, home of C.F. Martin & Co., Inc. His mother and grandfather had worked for the grand guitar maker, but Michael wanted to be a rock star. After many high school bands failed to become famous, Michael turned his sights to higher education.
While home for a visit, one of the bands decided to reunite and got noticed. Unfortunately, they were noticed by a bunch of lawyers who threatened to sue them for using the name "Nightmare." I like to say I got sued by Casper the ghost (Nightmare is Casper's horse).
I'm Tony DiDomenico. I've been in the woodworking business since the late 70s. Wow, I'm not sure I like the way that sounds. I started an architectural woodworking company in 1988 which is still in operation today. In the early 80s I decided to try my hand at guitar building since I never had a good instrument and I knew my way around woodworking. Well, what an eye opening experience that was, "I'm going to need to do that again!" Having no experience in this craft, lets just say my first attempt was in need of improvement.