The Builder
Gary Lee has enjoyed playing guitar since the age of nine. In 1999, his fascination and curiosity with guitar design, coupled with his love for woodcraft, drew him to begin building classical guitars. He quickly developed an aptitude and love for lutherie.
Trained as a research scientist with a Ph.D. in biochemistry, he attained his first dream with a successful career in academic research and later, in corporate biotechnology. Gary’s second dream was realized in 2007 with the beginning of Lee Guitar Works and the transition to building guitars full-time.
Gary's research background inspires creativity, thoughtful design and exacting execution. His handcrafted classical guitars incorporate the best of traditional design with contemporary approaches. His experience in building classical guitars has been invaluable for constructing steel string acoustics with great responsiveness and tonal character.
When he is not building guitars, Gary serves on the board of advisors to the New Jersey Guitar and Mandolin Society and regularly lectures on lutherie at guitar festivals and societies. He enjoys traveling and playing music and tennis with his wife, Candace. They live in Wayne, New Jersey, a suburb of New York City.
Gary Lee has enjoyed playing guitar since the age of nine. In 1999, his fascination and curiosity with guitar design, coupled with his love for woodcraft, drew him to begin building classical guitars. He quickly developed an aptitude and love for lutherie.
Trained as a research scientist with a Ph.D. in biochemistry, he attained his first dream with a successful career in academic research and later, in corporate biotechnology. Gary’s second dream was realized in 2007 with the beginning of Lee Guitar Works and the transition to building guitars full-time.
Gary's research background inspires creativity, thoughtful design and exacting execution. His handcrafted classical guitars incorporate the best of traditional design with contemporary approaches. His experience in building classical guitars has been invaluable for constructing steel string acoustics with great responsiveness and tonal character.
When he is not building guitars, Gary serves on the board of advisors to the New Jersey Guitar and Mandolin Society and regularly lectures on lutherie at guitar festivals and societies. He enjoys traveling and playing music and tennis with his wife, Candace. They live in Wayne, New Jersey, a suburb of New York City.
About the Lee Guitar Works Logo and Label
The tile “L” pays tribute to Southern Spain where the modern classical guitar was developed. The original image comes from Moorish tiles that I photographed in the gardens of the Royal Alcazar Palace in Sevilla, the city where Antonio de Torres did some of his most influential work from 1845-1869. The tiles shown at right decorated a bench facing a fish pond within a peaceful courtyard.
The tile “L” pays tribute to Southern Spain where the modern classical guitar was developed. The original image comes from Moorish tiles that I photographed in the gardens of the Royal Alcazar Palace in Sevilla, the city where Antonio de Torres did some of his most influential work from 1845-1869. The tiles shown at right decorated a bench facing a fish pond within a peaceful courtyard.
