~ Dismal Ax ~

Dismal Ax guitars are a blend of old and new, fantasy and reality. They incorporate many elements of the classic forms of the instrument but present them in different contexts, drawing inspiration from nature and its ability to transform the shiny and new into true works of art. They are the creations of George Downing, a builder residing in rural middle Tennessee. Originally from Providence, Rhode Island, George began building guitars in his mid-teens but eventually had to get a “real” job. After more than a decade of cabinetmaking, carpentry, and other woodworking jobs, he returned to building guitars armed with new ideas and techniques from his adventures in rustic furniture.

George tries to keep his designs and methods as simple as possible for many reasons. Mostly, he feels it just makes for a more visually pleasing instrument, putting the emphasis on the inherent beauty of the wood rather than on ostentatious detail. You will find plenty of detail in a Dismal Ax, but maybe not the sort you might expect to find in such a high quality instrument. A mix of locally harvested and salvaged materials are used and, with a few exceptions, all new wood comes from local timber which George has sawn and dried himself. This allows him to offer many species not commonly used in guitar making as alternatives to the standard exotic woods that are becoming increasingly endangered as well as to make the most out of the timber that is processed. Salvaged materials come from old barns, fences and other structures, displaying weather-worn surfaces, machine marks, and nail holes. With all of these woods, the knots, cracks and other defects are carefully incorporated in a manner that does not compromise the stability of the instrument, but can add a great deal of visual interest.

Finishing is kept minimal with several different options. Softer body woods can be hammered to give a dimpled texture, then stained or torched and lightly sanded back to create varying distressed effects. Bodies or tops made from salvaged barn wood can be lightly sanded to highlight the original saw marks. Weathered gray barn wood must be left unfinished to keep its appearance and is not a good choice for a regularly played guitar but makes a beautiful top for a gently played or showcase instrument. It can also be sanded back a bit and finished, which gives a fantastic look as well as a more durable surface. Carving tool markings can be worked into the body edges and other surfaces, giving a hand-hewn look. Harder body and neck woods can be finished with Danish oil. Necks can also be finished with shellac and fine sanded, keeping the wood better sealed. Finish on bodies is satin urethane varnish unless otherwise specified.

Hardware comes from all of the usual suspects with an effort to use U.S. made products whenever possible. Custom options include parts crafted from various materials and found objects. Examples include tailpieces made from old hinges or appliance/car emblems; pickguards/control plates, etc. made from rusty roof tin, license plates, distressed aluminum, brass or copper, and knobs made from thread spools or deer antlers; and whatever else George may find a way to repurpose.

There are three basic models at this time: Muleskinners, Barnstormers and Rusticators; as well as some special editions which feature certain themes or materials.