A persistent partner and a chance encounter with a renowned Blues guitar artist at a Lauderdale pub provided the catalyst for Mark Gilbert to start making guitars seriously and fulfil a life-long ambition.
Originally a primary school teacher, Mark later moved into graphic design. Some 17 years ago he established his own design/promotional items business but a lifelong interest in music and guitars is where he saw his future. So, Mark started making guitars, primarily electric guitars, using Tasmanian Special Timbers.
He admits that the first few he made have had the bandsaw put through them, but as with any craft you persevere to learn and you improve.
And improve he did. Mark’s guitars are now used by some of the world’s very best blues guitarists. The first being the infamous gig at the Lauderdale pub where Wolf Mail was playing. Mark’s wife Karen informed Wolf that “Mark makes guitars” and then drove back to their home to get one to show him. Needless to say, Wolf was impressed and the following night played some sets with Mark’s guitar. Through this and other introductions Mark’s guitars are now made to order for both discerning amateurs and internationally acclaimed professional musicians: Richard Smith and Stig Mathisen among them.
Mark’s guitars showcase Tasmanian Special Timbers in their most striking, decorative form. Primarily using Blackwood as the base material, Mark combines this with other timbers such as Huon Pine and Sassafras as the unique decorative face panels. The only non-Tasmanian timber used is Ebony because of its unique hardness as the fret board. All parts (excepting the fretboard) are fabricated by Mark. His instruments are examples of how our Special Timbers specific attributes and how high-level design, craftsmanship and passion combine to link Tasmania’s timber-crafting culture to the international music culture.
Mark’s guitars showcase Tasmanian Special Timbers in their most striking, decorative form. Primarily using Blackwood as the base material, Mark combines this with other timbers such as Huon Pine and Sassafras as the unique decorative face panels. The only non-Tasmanian timber used is Ebony because of its unique hardness as the fret board. All parts (excepting the fretboard) are fabricated by Mark. His instruments are examples of how our Special Timbers specific attributes and how high-level design, craftsmanship and passion combine to link Tasmania’s timber-crafting culture to the international music culture.
Each guitar takes around 12 weeks to make. Mark is lucky enough to have developed a network of contacts over time that. His combined interests in music, instruments and timber, has introduced him to millers who have a commitment to best use of Special Timber unique pieces as instruments that showcase them. This network now identifies specific pieces to Mark that they consider suitable. This, along with consistently upgrading his technology, improve the quality and productivity as learning and demand increases.
Mark’s clients enjoy having a guitar that can be traced from the tree to the finished piece to the music that it creates. Each guitar is a combination of knowledge, wisdom and skills with a passion for music. A high value, quality object based on design, functionality, timber, beauty and difference.