Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashton Taylor.
Ashton, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Began playing guitar as a teenager. College degree in music and still active in music. Currently working full time, and have worked for many years as an acoustical consultant. Decided to apply my acoustical and musical skills/knowledge to building guitars and similar instruments. Learned woodworking by watching instructional videos. Collected the necessary tools over the years. Make custom classical, flamenco, and gypsy jazz guitars, as well as ukuleles.
Has it been a smooth road?
Biggest challenge was gathering knowledge. To be a custom instrument maker, it is important to know the history of the instrument, what has been manufactured before, and what is currently being offered. Details of construction of well-known instruments must be well known, so drawings, books, and photographs must be collected.
Another challenge is using unusual wood. Some instruments are constructed of trees that have been cut down in my neighborhood. There is an ongoing challenge of finding time to do efficient work and be a good business person.
Please tell us about your business.
As a custom instrument maker, the client is engaged in the design from the very beginning. While there are standard body sizes, I do not make “models;” every instrument is unique: scale length neck width wood selection finish tuning keys. Proud to be able to offer this flexibility to clients.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Houston is a friendly city and is a great place to live and work. There is an active performing arts scene including symphony, opera, ballet, dramatic theater, and popular live music venues. The city is also large enough to have good sports entertainment: major league baseball, NFL football, NBA basketball, and professional soccer. Finally, there are so many wonderful restaurants in Houston. Like most people, I do not like the heavy traffic encountered in daily commutes.
Contact Info:
- Address: Ashton Taylor Musical Instruments
1121 Aurora Street
Houston, Texas 77009 - Website: www.ashtontaylorguitars.com
- Phone: 713-562-1042
- Email: josephashtontaylor@gmail.com
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