This website is dedicated to the story of what was designed as a truly functional work of art. Because of its unique features and rare materials this guitar was unusually expensive to build even for the most exclusive custom built guitar.  The guitar was not built to enhance the career of a luthier, or as any sort of advertisement, but as a labor of love in a quest to build the best guitar possible. Indeed it was an exhaustive project filled with prayer and, at times, necessary repentance. In the end the luthier said he would be reluctant to attempt another like it.

But the result, with its simple elegance, playability, and incredible sound we think it was well worth the large amount of time, money and effort required to create it. Built on the style of the 1930’s Martin d 28 dreadnought the Burning Bush Guitar is designed to be the ultimate bluegrass guitar for volume and sustain but with the added benefit of complex tone and warm character. This web site was created so that the Burning Bush Guitar can be enjoyed by all those who appreciate the combined arts that must work perfectly together for the master luthier to create something truly beautiful and unique. Here you will find pictures, the story of its creation, and performances from The Burning Bush Guitar.

Gerald Crabb - Owner

James J. Lovell – Luthier
Rodney H. Alldredge - Designer

We would like to acknowledge the extremely helpful advice and products of: 

Ervin Somogyi – Somogyi Guitars & Wood Art.
Les Peatt – Peatt guitars
John Griffin - Old Standard Wood.
Randy Allen - Allen guitars
Max Krimell- Max Krimell Guitars
Nick Cook - Wood turner
Jason Burns – Jason Burns Music                 Jeff Henry - Maplestreet Guitars

We would also like to acknowledge genius and patient instruction of the late Jay Riness.