LIPE GUITARS USA

Luthier Michael Lipe began working in a music store during the 1970s and learned woodworking and finishing from an old violin maker. After working at the music store, Lipe began to work for Mighty Mite. In 1983, he began building guitars under his own name and became the self proclaimed "original guitar doctor" of Los Angeles where he built and customized several guitars for many of LA's best guitar players. Lipe continued to build guitars until Ibanez purchased his company in 1989; however, he continued to work for Ibanez where he established the west coast custom shop for Ibanez and was a master builder for major endorsers in the U.S. Lipe also worked at Yamaha on the Pacifica line for two years as well as working for Höfner and as a Fender warranty service center at World Music in Santa Clarita, CA. In 2001, Lipe began building guitars under his own name again. Lipe offers several chambered solidbody and hollowbody electric guitars as well as electric basses. Prices start at $3,995. For more information, visit Lipe's website or contact him directly.