John Kingslight - Luthier

         Lutherie is a joy of my life and I knew, way back in 1980, when I first built guitars withJohn Dillon in a little shop in northern New Mexico, that this was what I wanted to do.   I haven't always been able to be a luthier full time - due to the many responsibilities of life - but I've grown in my skills over the years, honing them, learning new things, trying to always make that "perfect guitar" .    I helped build about 25 Dillon guitars and my next Kingslight guitar will be #50.   I've exhibited  at both the Newport and Montreal guitar shows and at several Folk Alliance gatherings.

         I am a patient person...  you have to be to build guitars.  I like to take my time at each step of the process,  listen to my clients desires and  take all the time needed to work out what's best for your guitar.   I have heard over and over from clients that they appreciate the time I give to them over and above what's expected.    And my greatest joy is  when I see my clients' delight in receiving and playing their new Kingslight guitar for the first time.  That never gets old.

        My wife and I live in Bremerton, Washington... just a ferry ride away from Seattle. For balance in my life I also work part time as a school bus driver for Central Kitsap Schools.  I love the time I get to spend with kids - and again my patience helps in that work too.   I also spend much of my time at my church, St. Paul's Episcopal,  in Bremerton, where my wife is the rector/priest.  I'm in the choir - playing  bass and guitar, working with the youth band SPYRE and  am involved in Education for Ministry - a 4 year program of bible study and small group work.

        I feel blessed to be able to build beautiful guitars and to pass them on to players who will really appreciate them.

                                                   God's Peace and Love,

                                                                     John