Comins Renaissance Archtop Guitar #0065 - Used  From Comins Guitars

Philadelphia, PA-based luthier Bill Comins began playing guitar at an early age, eventually going on to study jazz guitar at Temple University. His initial career as a working musician and private instructor, however, would inevitably give way to a lifelong pursuit of the art of Luthiery. Over the last 20 plus years, Bill has been dedicated to refining a line of instruments with a main focus on archtop jazz guitars.

Hallmarks of Comins Guitars include precise setup work, comfortable feeling necks, a clear and round high end, punchy mids, and a “broken in” or “old wood” sound. Guided by the works of great makers past and present, Comins has devoted much attention to considering elements such as modeling and graduation of the arched plates, mass of individual components, sound-hole styling and placement, variables in geometric relationships, etc. This progression of fine-tuning has led to deep understanding of how components function in concert, and how they can be manipulated toward a desired result. What is learned from each newly created piece is brought to the next. Bill also attributes the success of his instruments to sensibilities acquired through his years of playing.

Producing a limited number of pieces per year, Bill builds custom instruments for international clientele consisting of professional and novice musicians, educators, and collectors. His work has been recognized in magazines, books, and formal exhibitions. Maintaining a one-on-one association with his customers, Bill remains mindful of each instrument’s intended use, and approaches every project with reverence.