and for Matt Stevens, his path towards luthiery starts with the Grateful Dead. After a dear friend introduced him to the Dead’s universe while living in Denver, Matt ventured deeper to discover his love of guitar making, tone and excellence. 

Before building, Matt listened. He heard warm tones — how Jerry’s differed from Bobby’s and where the two coalesce — while learning about sound and vibrations. His infatuation reached a new level after discovering the Chris Robinson Brotherhood.

He was mesmerized by Neal Casal, left forever and always inspired by the late guitarist. Matt traced the chord in Casal’s guitar back to renowned luthier Scott Walker whose shop in Santa Cruz is a hub for like-minded artisans.

Matt then followed his heart to San Francisco. After writing a letter to Walker, describing his determination to learn from the best, Matt was awarded an apprenticeship. He spent the following years deconstructing guitars and honing his skills in advanced electronics and pickup construction. The education culminated with Scott and Matt developing a unique pickup that can be found on Scott’s custom guitars.

Following in the footprints laid out before him, Matt attended the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery in Phoenix, Arizona. Matt built three, custom instruments during the discipline — slide, acoustic and electric guitars — before graduating at the top of his cohort.

Matt returned to San Francisco to open his shop less than two blocks from where The Grateful Dead once lived. He repairs an array of electric and acoustic instruments, and his clients range from novice to lifetime musicians.