EARNEST collaborates directly with musicians to design and build custom instruments to meet unusual or specific needs. The process often begins with the discussion of a “dream instrument” and leads to rough sketches, first drafts, full-sized models, selection of materials, electronics, color, and finish. Final drawings are drafted and approved before actual construction of the instrument begins. The result is a one-of-a-kind instrument, created with the combined knowledge of the musician and the luthier. Joel’s experience as a woodworker, luthier, and a performer enables him to understand both the technical requirements of musicians as well as the technical challenges of building instruments. His knowledge of wood technology, acoustics, musicology, and instrument history informs his sense of design and construction. The fact that he plays the instruments he builds ensures that they will sound and feel “right.”
Epiphone Electric Tenor Guitar
Walking Stick Uke
Lil’ Ricky Rickenbacker Tenor Uke
Colander Girl – Resonator Concert Uke
The Shelele, Walking Stick Uke
Weissenborn Electric Dulcimer
The Earnest Bandolim
The Rounder Electric Guitar
The Stukulele (made for Stuart Fuchs)
Custom Blonde Veronica Tenor Guitar
“The Skinny” Electric Tenor Guitar”
