Jay Lichty started hand building acoustic guitars when his career as a home-builder was affected by the recent economic downturn. He combined his experience in building things with his lifelong passion for music to build high quality acoustic guitars and ukuleles.

From a small workshop in Tyron, North Carolina he makes around 25 instruments a year to order.

Several well known musicians are already playing Lichty guitars, including: Geoff Achison, Mike & Tom Gossin (Gloriana), Doug Lancio (John Hiatt and Patty Griffin bands), Jody Porter (Fountains of Wayne), Haley Dreis and Jonathan Gray.

Acoustic guitars are currently available in dreadnought, OM and parlour sizes. Cutaways are possible in all cases. Guitars range from $2800 to over $8000.

Ukuleles are available in soprano, tenor and baritone sizes. Ukuleles start at around $1600.

Each instrument is made to order, taking around 3 to 6 months to complete. Sometimes instruments are also available for sale from the Lichty website.

Jay is helped in this venture by his wife and business partner Corrie who takes responsibility for marketing, the website and photography.