Letain Guitars

Jeff Letain is new to the custom guitar business, but his designs are a beautiful combination of old-world craftsmanship and new techniques. Though borrowing heavily from Ken Parker’s archtop concepts, this guitar boasts a unique soundhole pattern that is Letain’s own. Letain has a workshop on Vancouver Island, BC, where he builds flattop, archtop and solidbody electric guitars and basses.
Letain Guitars

The inaugural Santa Barbara Acoustic Instrument Celebration was held September 29 to October 2 in sunny coastal California. The event brought hundreds of top luthiers and players who displayed their craftsmanship, gave seminars, and held intimate concerts. The Earl Warren Showgrounds served as a fitting venue, as in decades past it hosted concerts from such acts as Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, the Beach Boys, the Doors, Cream, the Grateful Dead, and Janis Joplin.

The show pulled widely from Canada and Europe, with heavy representation from the U.S. West Coast. Also on sale were top-grade woods, inlay materials, and custom bindings. Luthiers were open with their time, and many fans enjoyed hearing builders talk shop. Among the visitors was Santa Barbara resident and guitar pickup guru, Seymour Duncan, who could be seen checking out all the beautiful instruments on display.