About

Phil Secrist, Luthier

My name is Phil Secrist. I am a Utah luthier, also known as a Utah guitar maker.  I picked up an old acoustic guitar when I was eight years old and fell in love with playing the guitar. I still love playing, even after 44 years! My love of the guitar has expanded from just playing them to making them. I have always loved the unique sound of the acoustic guitar and the beauty of it’s symmetry.

In 2004, I decided that I wanted to build my own guitar. So I began researching the subject. It opened a whole new world for me. I joined a guitar maker’s forum and soon had a list of books, videos, and references on guitar making to study. I immersed myself in the subject! After spending nearly a year reading, studying, and talking with other experienced luthiers (stringed instrument makers), I decided to take the plunge. I ordered a guitar kit from Martin guitar. To my delight, when it was finished, it didn’t collapse, and it even looked and sounded pretty good! As my building skills increased, I progressed to building guitars from scratch.

Although the number of guitars I have built is relatively small compared to other luthiers, I make sure that every instrument I build is of the finest quality and craftsmanship and those that have commissioned me to build guitar for them have been overwhelming pleased with the final result. A real love for the building process, patience, a good ear for tone, and a perfectionist attention to detail are some of the characteristics I employ in building truly one-of-a kind instruments.

Although one can find handmade instruments in Salt Lake City music stores and other places locally, I am a perfectionist by nature and I believe that every guitar I build is an extension of myself and therefore I put my best into every instrument. Each Secrist guitar is made using the highest quality woods and materials. Each is built with meticulous and loving attention to detail. I also offer custom mother-of-pearl (MOP) and abalone inlay work that can make a guitar truly special! To see some of my work, click on the Gallery tab  on the top of this page.

I also teach music lessons in Ogden Utah, both guitar and drum lessons. Click on the lessons menu tab to find out more.

Best Regards,

Phil