Today we’d like to introduce you to Jake Willoughby.
Hi Jake, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey in stringed instrument repairs commenced at the age of 13, leveraging my innate mechanical aptitude. Growing up in rural south-central Kansas, I was accustomed to contributing to farm chores, including woodcutting, gardening, and cattle care, which honed my affinity for working with machinery and woodworking. My parents’ unwavering support facilitated my exploration of various interests, including stringed instruments. In 2010, I embarked on planning a bespoke guitar manufacturing venture, focusing on high-end, handmade instruments. As I designed and built prototype models, I deferred naming the business, anticipating the perfect fit would emerge. However, my mother’s diagnosis with pancreatic cancer in January 2011 necessitated a poignant redirection. Devoting time to her during her terminal illness took precedence, and her passing a year later inspired an enduring tribute. Consequently, C.R. Alsip Guitars was established in honor of my mother, Connie Rae Alsip, with her signature, sourced from my birth certificate, serving as the business logo on every guitar’s headstock. This meaningful gesture not only keeps her memory alive but also facilitated my healing process. While I had modest expectations for the business, C.R. Alsip Guitars has exceeded them, celebrating 14 years of collaboration with notable musicians such as Bill Leverty of Firehouse, Frank Hannon of Tesla, Phil Collen of Def Leppard, Scott Bartlett of Saving Abel and the Brandon Jordan Band, and Lita Ford, among others. As a person of spiritual inclination, I have felt divine guidance throughout my journey, influencing my actions and decisions. Despite experiencing fluctuations over the past 14 years, I never imagined that I, a young man from a Kansas farm, would relocate to the Atlanta, GA area and establish a successful guitar-making business.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’ve experienced significant personal losses, including the passing of my mother and two divorces, while also navigating the business through the Covid-19 pandemic, which posed considerable challenges. Crafting guitars is a manageable task, but sustaining sales relies heavily on a stable economy.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Our products stand out from those of most companies due to their handmade craftsmanship. Unlike many modern guitar manufacturers that rely on automated machinery for wood routing and shaping, C.R. Alsip Guitars adheres to a traditional one-man-per-guitar approach. Each instrument is meticulously crafted from start to finish by a single skilled artisan. This bespoke process involves hand-shaping each neck, manually slotting each fingerboard, and carefully hand-routing each cavity, all executed by one dedicated craftsman.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’d like to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to God, whose divine intervention has made this journey possible. I would also like to extend my sincerest appreciation to my wife, whose unwavering support since the moment we met has been instrumental in my success. Her faith in my abilities, which she believes are divinely gifted, has motivated me to push forward. Additionally, I am grateful to my mother, whose guidance and encouragement to pursue my dreams have been invaluable. My father’s support, both emotional and physical, particularly in the early days of my shop, is also deeply appreciated. The Coxes, Steve and Voncille, have been loyal supporters and ardent advocates of C.R. Alsip Guitars, and I am thankful for their involvement. I am also indebted to Jake Smith and Robbie Youngbauer, whose counsel and assistance, particularly before & during my second divorce, have been a source of comfort. I have been fortunate to have a strong support system, and I am truly thankful for their contributions to my success & my customers, without their support none of this is possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cralsipguitars.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c.r.alsipguitars?igsh=dHhuOXQ2N2szM2Np&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GDzy5bshq/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
All photos by Jake Willoughby
