DANIEL KENNEY- LUTHIER

A JOURNEY BACK TO MUSIC

Twenty-five years ago, I decided it was time to pick up the guitar again after putting it aside to focus on career, family, military obligations, and other excuses. I believed that buying a high-quality guitar would help me ease back into playing, with a particular interest in Classical music, especially Spanish-inspired pieces. The Spanish guitar truly resonates with me like no other.

During my search, I realized that exceptional instruments were quite expensive and the standard offerings in local stores didn’t appeal to me. Then, serendipity struck when I met Eric Marzak, a neighbor and Master Luthier specializing in Classical and Flamenco guitars. This encounter sparked my passion. Eric introduced me to the Classical Guitar Community in Schenectady, New York, and to Harry George Pelligrin, a gifted Classical Guitar teacher. With their guidance and inspiration, my desire to build outstanding guitars was ignited.

I began my musical journey with the purchase of a 1954 Ramirez student-grade Classical guitar. From a young age, I had a deep love for carpentry, fine woodworking, furniture building, and restoration. One day, I asked Eric if I could visit his Lutherie shop. This led to an invitation to join him in building a Classical Guitar under his mentorship. The Lutherie bug bit me hard, and soon I was crafting guitars in my own shop with his guidance.

I later had the privilege of learning from William Cumpiano, a Master Luthier legend and author of “Guitarmaking: Tradition and Technology.” I have since completed numerous Lutherie courses, always eager to expand my knowledge. To date, I have built over 30 guitars, including Classical, Steel String in various designs, an Irish Bouzouki, and a Selmer Maccafferi Gypsy Jazz Guitar. I have also repaired over 100 instruments, reviving vintage guitars with neck resets, setups, re-frets, top repairs, and more.

I am fortunate to have a career as a Technology Executive, which provides me with the financial resources to acquire top-of-the-line materials, tools, and education. This allows me the freedom to develop my craft without compromise. My mission is to practice the art of Lutherie with the utmost craftsmanship, ethics, and dedication, ensuring that musicians have exceptional instruments to bring the joy of music to the world

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