706-346-2933
LANE GUITARS
LANE GUITARS
Handcrafted custom acoustic guitars made for sound
I love musical instruments, especially guitars. I have always been captivated by the idea that a piece of wood that has only 6 strings and 20 frets can produce such a wide range of sounds and musical ideas. I am especially fascinated with how these precious species of wood go together to make these sounds. In 2007, I embarked upon a journey to learn everything I could about what makes a good guitar. I was able to study with some of the greatest luthiers in the country and learn their techniques. The result is the Lane guitar, handcrafted in my shop located in Varnell, Georgia. These instruments are based on the classic designs of the golden age of guitar making.
KELLEY LANE
My entire life has revolved around music. Whether it was teaching, writing, performing, or recording, I have always been involved in music in some form or fashion. But for some reason, I seem to be always drawn to the instruments that are used to produce music. It almost seems like magic that a pile of wood, bits of metal, and wire can go together to make such a beautiful sound. Many years ago, I toyed with the idea of learning to make a guitar from scratch. It was one of those ideas that hung around in my head for years. In 2007, I had the opportunity to visit the shop of one of the world’s most renown luthiers, Wayne Henderson. Being in his shop and seeing guitars is various states of construction, even down to the sweet smell of rosewood as it is sawed was all the motivation I needed to get started with my dream of learning to make high end acoustic guitars in the tradition of the golden era Martins and Gibsons. Since then, I have continued to study guitar making from Wayne, and have also sought instruction from some of the other great luthiers in the business.   Now, I have my own shop where I produce custom acoustic guitars that, like the cherished instruments of the past, are engineered for tone. My greatest joy in this endeavor is the relationship that is established between the builder and the player. Through this process, I am able to craft an instrument that is fully responsive to the touch, technique, and style of its new owner.
WHAT I DO
GUITARS
I make acoustic guitars that are based on the prewar Martins from the 30’s and 40’, although I have made other types of guitars from other periods in time. These instruments are hand cut, shaped, and assembled using basic shop tools. Each one is unique in character and sound to reflect the person for which it is made. My necks are hand shaped and are custom fitted to the proper shape that best suits the player. All of my guitars are equipped with adjustable truss rods. If preferred, I can equip my guitars with electronics for amplification to suit the desires of the customer.
MATERIALS
The choice of materials for a custom made guitar is perhaps the most exciting aspect of the entire building process. I have learned that there are many great sounding tonewoods available beyond the traditional mahogany, spruce, and rosewood. That being said, I am able to source many different types of tonewood for guitar construction, including the above mentioned traditional woods. I use bone for nuts and saddles, and my guitars are finished with nitrocellulose lacquer or conversion varnish.
REPAIRS
Though many luthiers shy away from doing more than basic repairs and set ups, I embrace the idea of doing major repairs and restorations, especially in the area of vintage guitars. In my constant quest to learn more about what makes these precious instruments of the golden age sound the way they do, I have committed myself to provide expert quality repair services for musicians in the northwest Georgia area and beyond. My services include neck resets, bridge replication and replacement, fret jobs and fingerboard repair, crack repair, finish touchups, top replacement, and full period appropriate restorations. My 38 years of being a professional instrument technician has given me the required skills and patience to restore life to these valuable instruments.
PHOTO GALLERY
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ORDERS & CONTACT INFO
If you are interested in having a custom handmade guitar made for you, please contact me using the info below and I will be happy to discuss design, materials, and pricing.