John Knutson start building instruments while still at university in 1979. He established Knutson Luthiery in 1981 as a custom builder of acoustic, electric, and archtop guitars, as well as basses and mandolins. Knutson has honed his production and research and development skills by subcontracting out of his Forestville California shop for three larger companies. He also does custom inlay work and is currently building the Messenger upright electric bass along with the occassional custom guitar or Songbird archtop mandolin. Knutson has built instruments for Rob Wasserman, Mario Cippolina, David Lindley, Mike Marshall, and Lief Sorbye.

Source: Knutson Luthiery website (16 November 2017)