About Taiho

History

guitar body under construction
Blue-J in the beginning

Taiho (“TIE-ho“) Guitars, LLC is a one-man shop, based out of Macomb and Alcona Counties in Michigan (not affiliated with any multinational corporations or any other entity that use the “Taiho” name; see below).

I’ve been playing music for the majority of my life, and picked up the guitar in the late ’80s. Music has been a hobby and escape, but not the defining force. I’ve jammed in some bands and projects over the years, but the allure of a steady career and secure family life took precedence, so the rock-star lifestyle wasn’t for me.

My first commission came as a result of a casual conversation with my coworker. We usually start our day just chatting casually about the weekend or the night previous before diving into our work. When I mentioned that I’d finished up my third guitar build, she suddenly lit up and asked if I could build one for her husband.

When I posted photos of that project as well as a short video of me testing it out before delivery, I got another request from a friend. Now it seemed like it was getting a little more serious!

The Origin of “Taiho”

Taiho Guitars round logo

“Taiho” is derived from an alternate pronunciation of the Japanese characters of my last name. The logo is the kamon of my family.

I drew a following among my friends as I posted progress photos of each project. I originally posted my builds as a side category to my professional technology-oriented blog, Metalhead Tech. Interest in my work has been growing and that I realized I was blogging and cataloging more about guitar building than technology projects over at MHT. Taiho Guitars was spun off into its own entity.

MDF sled built to help cut contours
Sled built with MDF to help cut contours

What started as a folding table, some hand tools, and improvising with hand-held power tools in our country vacation home is expanding into a growing workshop. Builds began with import kits and Warmoth components. Bodies are now being cut from blanks, starting with Chevelle and Nazgûl.

The workshop now features a drill press, oscillating belt/spindle sander, band saw, and an air compressor that drives a spray gun, along with two workbenches I built using 2×4s and plywood.