Testimonials

I had the opportunity a couple weeks ago [at IBMA] to meet Kent Schoonover, discuss the unique neck reinforcement, spider, and headstock designs used in his instruments, and try out several of them for myself. It was a highly enjoyable experience all around, and I was impressed both with Kent as a person, and with the fine resonator guitars he’s building.

Kent is one of the most friendly, down-to-earth, ‘no BS’ guys you’ll ever meet…and IMO the workmanship, finish quality, and materials in his instruments are second to none. He uses a completely ‘open’ body design similar to the Beard E [with no posts or baffles], but has managed to avoid the hollowness and lack of low frequency focus I’ve heard in some other open-body instruments.

His innovative top bracing design [employing precisely shaped and contoured premium Finnish birch plywood] is one of the most well thought out and implemented I’ve seen…resulting in a very strong and powerful instrument, while keeping unnecessary weight to a minimum.

If you get the opportunity, I’d definitely recommend checking out his instruments, and meeting the great guy who builds them.

Erik Waynesmith @ Advanced Music Technology

Posted: Sun. Nov. 13, 2005 on Reso-Nation
Used with permission