My introduction to the art of lutherie came in the Winter of 1997 when I attended the Roberto-Venn School of Lutherie in Phoenix, Arizona.  Already an avid bass player and self taught tinkerer, I learned the basics that would launch my career. 

    After graduating I began my tenure as a finish sander with Moses Graphite, leader in the production of composite instrument components and custom guitars, and quickly moved up to the position of fret smith. By 2001 I was involved in all aspects of production and was promoted to shop forman. I was also the primary builder of most custom shop projects from that time on.  Due to the high volume of replacement necks Moses produced I fretted over 2,500 guitars during my career thus far.

     After moving to Portland, Oregon in 2005, I began designing and building with Charles Fox, world renown builder of contemporary acoustic guitars, and creator of the Ergo guitar. The Ergo represents the cutting edge in acoustic guitar technology.  With Mr. Fox I assumed responsibility for all aspects of finish work, and was able to apply and hone my skills with composite construction, lamination techniques, and fixture design. I also taught with Charles at the American School of Lutherie, covering such topics as fretwork, form design, inlay and neck shaping.  It was an incredible honor to work along side Charles, and feel this to be a formative point in my education.

     Since my education at Roberto-Venn in 1997, Presnell Lutherie has existed in some form or another. Custom projects and guitar repair have always been a part of my life. Word of mouth has fueled this for a long time, but I am now ready to reach out, and extend my skills and knowledge to the greater public. With this step comes my most sincere hope that I am able to provide my past, present, and future clients with an experience and product that can only be described with one word… “perfect”.

-Toby Presnell