I grew up around guys who were always playing a guitar. So I owned acoustic guitars since I was about 14 years old. I always enjoyed singing and playing (very amateur) for/with my friends and family. However, I never could afford a good guitar, there were always more important things we needed. So that was another good reason to build a fine guitar. I guess the real clincher that got me into building acoustic steel string guitars, was the evening I visited a friend, Weyman Dantzler, that was building violins. As we were sharing some very fine homemade muscadine wine, he brought out a violin he had built. It was complete but still in the white (unfinished). He handed it to me-(Have you ever held a newborn baby in your hands? Four of our children were born at home.) As I held that beautiful, delicate, light creation and heard it whisper from the friction of my fingertips moving over its surface, I knew I had found something I would love and could pass on to my family, ( 7 children and 8 grand-children) designing and crafting fine musical instruments.I would very much appreciate the opportunity to create one for you, so that you too can experience the joy in owning and playing an exquisite instrument. From Holding That Violin To Now Late in 1995 I purchased several books on building steel string acoustic guitars. I read night and day for approximately a year. Finally I thought, “Well, here I go.” I ordered wood, supplies, tuners, fret wire, etc. I guess you could say building your first instrument is kind of like having a baby. There are months of anticipation and a tremendous amount of work. But what a glorious day when it arrives! However, getting to that point took many excruciating times of me thinking, “Now don’t let that dremel tool slip and put a gouge in the soundboard that just ain’t gonna’ go away.” There just isn’t any margin for error in many steps of musical instrument construction. (Neck and shoulder pain from tension is something I had to live with for about 1 year.) Again, determination, hard work, and some German ancestry (some of the finest musical instruments are of German origin) seems to be coming together. Many aspiring luthiers either give away, or have to sell their first instruments very cheaply. I was very happy to be able to start selling my guitars for approximately $2,000 each. Along with building new guitars I have also been doing some repairs and restoration. It is a joy to repair someone’s guitar, especially when it has sentimental value.One of the most often asked questions is how long does it take to build an instrment? My answer is, “It takes as long as it takes.” Every piece of wood is different, every Altman instrument is unique. We give it however much time it needs for it to be, not only something we can be proud of, but something that anyone becoming the owner of one will cherish and enjoy for a lifetime. That’s why we offer a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner of all Altman instruments. You will never need another guitar or mandolin. All you need is an Altman. Here’s hoping you can get your hands on one.-Bob Altman