Building Connections Through Wood and Sound
I've been drawn to making things with my own hands for as long as I can remember, especially from wood. Music has always been part of me, and several years ago, I combined these passions by studying lutherie.
Unlike mass-produced instruments, every Raymond guitar starts as a unique concept. I hand-select each piece of wood for its tonal properties and structural integrity, making sure the final instrument becomes a real partner in your musical journey, not just another tool.
"Every Raymond guitar is a unique creation, thoughtfully designed, carefully crafted, and made to forge a deep connection between player and instrument."
Paul Raymond
Respect Tradition.
Embrace Innovation.
"Traditionally Modern" isn't a contradiction. It's a commitment to respecting what works while embracing innovations that genuinely improve the playing experience.
Gallery
Each instrument is a unique journey. Here are a few recent guitars that show what we can do with tone and playability.
Hear From Players
The true test of a guitar is in the hands of a player. Here's what musicians are saying about their Raymond instruments.
“I've gotten a guitar that I don't think I could be happier with. It's absolutely exceeded all of my expectations.”
“This neck is the best acoustic guitar neck I think I have ever played.”
“The care for detail is incredible... He really cared about making sure that I was happy with the guitar.”
Art & Science in Harmony
From the first selection of timber to the final polish, every step is deliberate. We honor the history of the craft while using what we know today to build a better instrument.
Wood Selection
I hand-select each board for its resonant properties, grain structure, and how it looks. All the finest tone woods make the cut.
Soundboard Voicing
The top is graduated and the braces are hand-carved, or scalloped, to maximize responsiveness while keeping everything structurally sound. This tuning process is really the heart of the guitar's voice.
Traditional Assembly
Using hot hide glue and bolt-on neck process, I assemble the body and neck. These traditional methods make sure the vibration transfers properly and let the instrument work as one resonant unit.
Modern Setup
I apply a modern, comfortable neck profile and do a precision fret dress and setup. The result is an instrument that feels effortless to play right from the first chord.
"The result is an instrument that inspires you to play."
Common Questions
Answers to the things I get asked most often.
Ready to create something
truly unique?
A handmade guitar is more than an instrument. It's a partner in your musical journey. Let's discuss how we can bring your dream guitar to life.