Presented to William Cumpiano "in recognition of your dedication and developing of the Cuatro Project." Signed by Salvatore F. DiMasi, Speaker of the House. Presented to William Cumpiano in recognition of "being chosen for a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council for your work". Community research project documenting the music and musical-craft traditions of Puerto Rico, focusing on the cuatro--the island's "national instrument."

English-language paperback and hard cover rights for Guitarmaking purchased in 1994 by Chronicle Books, San Francisco CA, and new paperback and hardcover edition published.

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Obtaining Report

WRC 216 is a formidable part of my life and has changed what I hear in the sound of guitar. Nearly every day I repeat the thought that a great coincidence brought me to your shop and what followed continues to distract me from much of life's comings and goings. The guitar has survived the cycle of the seasons and a few thousand miles of travel as well as some indiscriminate scratches and smears.

How to commission Report

I continue offering hand-crafted guitars, individually made in the American, European and Latin-American traditions-tailor-made, specifically, for a particular buyer. Prices for made-to-order steel string guitars begin at $8000. Prices for custom-made classic guitars begin at $9000. They are available in a wide variety of materials and configurations to suit the owner's preferences.

Purchasing an in-the-white Report

This Cocobolo rosewood Spanish/Classic guitar was part of my in-the-white inventory until it was selected, purchased, finished and delivered to its customer. In-the-white Cumpiano guitars are completed guitars which are available for puchase and delivery upon finishing and stringing. Since they were already made by me during one of my teaching tutorials-which don't include finishing-I can make them available at a fraction of the cost and at a fraction of the time as a similar commissioned instrument.

In-the-white steel strings Report

Browse down through the gallery, or go to our index where these guitars are sorted by size and type. I offer a soundbox scheme developed by New York city makers Ivon Schmukler and Matt Umanov during the 1960s. They took castoff Martin C-series arch-top, flat-backed guitars and replaced the old arched tops with new x-braced flat sound boards.

Daniel Pilachowski

Aug 24, 2021

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Harry Becker is the best. He is experienced and will set up or repair your instrument the correct way where you will enjoy playing it. He stands by his work.

Becker & Cumpiano Instruments