I have two passions: Woodworking and stringed instruments. I began restoring vintage banjos in the 80’s and built a couple of banjos along the way. In 2005 I came across a dulcimer in need of repair. I took it apart and examined its construction. I rebuilt it and strung it up…and I was hooked. I gave up the restoration projects and spent my free time building dulcimers. Soon after, I began building ukuleles, and eventually added mandolins and I have built a few guitars as well. I moved to Colorado in late 2016 and began building fulltime.

I chose the name Cripple Creek for my mandolins to honor the rich history of the Colorado Gold Rush and the Pikes Peak region where I live and build instruments. Did you know there are at least a half a dozen songs that mention Cripple Creek?