James DeCava began playing guitar and banjo as a teenager in Stratford, Connecticut. He started repairing his own instruments which led to a job with Liberty Banjo Company making banjos, doing repairs, and cutting-inlaying mother of pearl with intricate designs. Over the years, he has built hundreds of guitars, banjos, mandolins, and one-of-a-kind instruments. He has also become well known for building multi-string instruments, and offers limited one on one instrument making classes.

Source: DeCava website (4 March 2017)