Click HERE for the current Roadtrip Schedule


One of the more challenging aspects of my business is providing opportunities for players to try out my guitars. Guitar stores and guitar shows are great but nothing quite compares to playing a guitar in the comfort of your own home and against instruments you are familiar with. With the the Roadtrip, I am sending a guitar out to stay with an individual for roughly 10 days before it goes to the next person in line. Sometimes this will require shipping but many individuals will be able to hand off the guitar in person. Cumulatively, the participants shoulder the cost of shipping but I will try to level this cost among all participants. I will arrange shipping and provide a printable shipping label and then have participants all reimburse me a set amount. This cost will likely be $30 but I will ensure it is no more than $40 max.

The Roadtrip is open to anyone but is primarily meant for the Acoustic Guitar Forum (AGF) community as I’m familiar with a lot of the folks there. If you don’t have an online presence or business that I can verify, then I may need to get a reference to ensure I’m dealing with a person of good character. Contact me via email with your personal contact information — and then I will follow up with a phone conversation and then put you on the list.


There are a few things I require from each participant.

Good Communication
I’d like to know when the guitar arrives and if there is any damage. Also, notify me when you ship or hand off the guitar to the next participant.

Adherence to the Schedule
I’d like each person to have roughly 10 days (2 weekends) to demo the guitar. This allows me to formulate a tentative schedule for everyone on the list. The schedule will certainly drift over time as some folks may take less or more time and packing/shipping time is also a factor. Nevertheless, I want to avoid a situation where a participant holds on to the guitar for much longer than the agreed upon time. If you would like a bit more time with the guitar, then please contact me and I’ll see what I can do — but please ask beforehand.

Careful Handling
This is a $15k guitar and once the Roadtrip is over, I’d like to keep this instrument as a demo guitar for my business. I was pleasantly surprised when the last time I did this (more than 12 years ago), the guitar returned without damage. I would like for folks to be able to enjoy the guitar and feel comfortable playing it without being terrified of scratching or denting it. At the same time, I would like to minimize potential damage. As such, I’m requesting that you only participate if you know how to handle a guitar with care. If you are the type that plays a guitar and 5 minutes later, there are scratches and dents everywhere then this Roadtrip is not for you.

Proper Environmental Control
The other big element here is humidity control. If you struggle with maintaining proper humidity, then please talk with me beforehand as I may be able to find a solution that enables you to participate. I’d also ask that you put the guitar in its case when you are done playing it rather than leaving it out to potentially get damaged.

And that’s it. The Roadtrip Guitar is currently traveling around the country but it is still not too late to sign up. Contact me if you're interested.


Sitka Spruce / Desert Ironwood Roadtrip Guitar