One-of-a-kind musical instruments with 100% traditional forms and a contemporary edge.
For 30+ years, I have crafted stringed instruments for players who value tone, originality, artistry, and the perfect balance of tradition and innovation.
Todd Johnston – Luthier
Flow the band, Will Ackerman, Todd Johnston, Lawrence Blatt, Jeff Oster, Fiona Joy Hawkins
Todd Johnston Parlor with Will Ackerman
I saw a tiny little guitar in Michael Hedges’ studio in Mendocino, CA when I was visiting him, and he’d seen me fooling around with it. It was strung so that the highest note was the 3rd string and I’d immediately fallen in love with it.… given my predilection for lunatic open tunings, this was like Disneyland when you’re 9.
Michael was visiting me in Vermont and we had a bit of recording to do.
He was in the studio for two days and left for a flight very early the next day. When I walked into my studio I saw the little parlor guitar I’d been playing in Mendocino sitting in a guitar stand. So Michael !!! … just leave a precious gift as a surprise.
Fast forward to about 30 years later. I’d been working with guitarist and guitar builder, Todd Johnston and he surprised me with a brilliant new hybrid instrument… somewhat bigger than Michael’s parlor guitar while offering a wider range of frequencies, especially in the lower register. As was the case with Michael’s parlor guitar, this instrument from Todd immediately inspired me to write new music, which is what I always what I hope for in a new instrument.
I don’t think there’s another instrument quite like it on the planet. If you’re a guitarist looking for new inspirational sound, write me at will@williamackerman.com and I’ll hook ya up !
