Ryan Elewaut is the owner and head luthier of Solstice Guitars based in beautiful Flagstaff, Arizona.
For many years Ryan worked on repairing and restoring guitars of all brands including vintage instruments - as well as working on his own designs.
This experience of dealing with such a variety of building and design techniques - from all manufacturers from all eras- has been invaluable to his creative concept for his own designs at Solstice Guitars.
As a result no two instruments are never exactly the same and Ryan uses the concept of “strategic variation” - to fine tune the instrument to the players needs.
He describes it as follows:
Strategic variation is the process of leaving certain specifications open or undefined until the guitar goes into production.
We alter important details to create a wide array of possibility and potential for each model.
These can be practical things like nut width, string spacing, neck profile, frets and pickup choices.
Obvious things like custom inlays for aesthetic purposes, and also wood options for tonal considerations. But more importantly, subtle things like brace height and shape, internal chambers on electrics, and special treatment of the acoustic soundboard depending on your sonic goal.
As a result, you will receive a unique and hand crafted musical experience.
Models include acoustics , solid bodies and electric basses.
Ryan sums up his creative vision as follows:
"I'm inspired by the idea of creating functional artwork.
Making and repairing guitars is a meticulous practice focused on being in tune with the musician, the artists who will utilize my artwork.
I build for the players and those who will appreciate the feel and sounds that I help them to create.”
If you are looking for a more nuanced and dialed in guitar design, catering to your particular playing preferences - please reach out to Ryan at Solstice Guitars!