When Michael began building his first steel-stringed acoustic guitar in the summer of 1984, he realized immediately that he had found his passion in the world of wood-working. Woodworking has always been a part of his life, but guitar building, in particular, brought together those key elements that could transform an interest into a life’s work. Michael was always fascinated by guitars and guitar music, as well as the beauty of forms created from wood.

The word Shanti ( शान्ति ) comes from the ancient language Sanskrit. The word means peace.