Paul Beard first became interested in resonator guitars as an 18 year old, when he started repairing stringed instruments. After graduating with degrees in Aviation Mechanics and Mechanical Engineering, a lack of jobs in the Engineering field led him to a musical career as a teacher, stringed instrument technician and performer. While on the road as a musician he focused his engineering skills on the design and construction of a next generation resonator guitar using new technologies and techniques but honoring the Dopyera tradition.The first Beard resonator guitar was delivered to a customer in 1985. Circa 2016 Beard guitars offers fourteen square neck and round neck models, enjoyed by fans, serious amateurs and touring professionals like Mike Auldridge, LeRoy Mack and Jerry Douglas.