In the heart of Bend, Oregon, where the majestic landscape meets the artistry of lutherie, lies the Bedell Custom Shop. It’s a place where dreams take shape in the form of meticulously crafted guitars, each telling a unique story through its wood, design, and sound. And for Jack, a passionate guitar collector, Bedell guitars are more than just instruments; they’re a lifelong pursuit of excellence and inspiration.

With eight Bedell guitars gracing his collection, Jack’s journey into the world of Bedell guitars began in 2015 with a serendipitous encounter at the Two Old Hippies store in Nashville. What started as a casual stroll through the store transformed into a profound discovery when Jack stumbled upon a guitar vault tucked away in the back. Among the guitars gleaming in the vault, one bearing the name “Bedell” caught his eye, sparking a connection that would resonate deeply within him.

“It was the first really nice guitar that I had bought,” Jack reminisces. “I had guitars before, but that one right there, that’s the one.”

His affinity for Bedell guitars didn’t end with that first acquisition. Over the years, Jack’s collection expanded to include an array of models, each with its own distinct charm and character. However, if pressed to choose a favorite, Jack finds himself torn between the mesmerizing tones of sinker redwood paired with Brazilian rosewood and the ethereal beauty of Mahogany from “The Tree,” a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry infused into every Bedell creation.

But what sets Bedell guitars apart for Jack isn’t just their exquisite tonewoods or immaculate craftsmanship; it’s the brand’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and sound optimization that truly captivates him. As he delved deeper into the world of Bedell, Jack found himself drawn to the rich history and stories woven into the very fabric of each guitar.

“The sustainability aspect of how you guys do it really appeals to me,” Jack explains. “The whole backstory on this stuff, the history behind it, it pulls me into the brand.”

For Jack, visiting the Bedell Custom Shop was more than just an opportunity to design two more high-end guitars; it was a pilgrimage to the heart of his passion. Touring the shop, he witnessed firsthand the intricate process of transforming raw tonewoods into works of art, guided by a blend of technology, science, and artistry.

“The build process was really great,” Jack recalls. “From the wood coming into the shop to the final touches, seeing the meticulous attention to detail was truly inspiring.”

As he embarked on the custom design process for his new guitars, Jack found himself immersed in a world of possibilities, from ancient Sitka spruce to Milagro Brazilian rosewood and beyond. Each choice, guided by expert guidance from the Bedell team, was a step closer to realizing his vision of sonic perfection.

And as he stood in the midst of rare tonewoods sourced from prehistoric forests and ancient landscapes, Jack couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer craftsmanship and dedication that went into every Bedell guitar.

With his new guitars in the making—a blend of ancient 3,000-year-old Sitka spruce paired with Milagro Brazilian rosewood, and prehistoric 50,000-year-old Kauri paired with Lucky Strike redwood —Jack’s journey with Bedell guitars continues, fueled by a passion for excellence and a deep appreciation for the artistry that brings music to life.

In the world of guitar collecting, where passion meets precision, Jack’s story stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Bedell guitars—a journey of discovery, inspiration, and the pursuit of sonic perfection.