One of the coolest things about the electric guitar is just how malleable they are with regard to design - a quick look through any “History of the Electric Guitar” style book at your local bookstore will reveal this truism. Sure, we’re all accustomed to seeing the classic designs from Fender, Gibson, Gretsch - and rightfully so - but look just beneath the surface you’ll find the work of visionaries like Paul Bigsby, Antonio Vandrè Pioli to name but two. Point being, there is a lot of room for creativity regarding what an electric guitar can be.
1951 Bigsby Jack Parsons Guitar | photo credit: guitar.com
1960's Wandre Spazial Guitar | photo credit: andersonandgarland.com
Enter Eugene, Oregon-based master builder, Joe Parker.
We’re always looking for builders who bring something fresh to the world of guitars - not just in tone and build quality - but in philosophy. That’s exactly why we’re excited to carry Joe's guitars.
Joe’s background as both a musician and a fine artist comes through in every instrument he makes. These are guitars for players who value original design, individuality, and intuitive feel - the kind of people who care as much about how a guitar inspires them creatively as they do about its specs.
With time at Collings Guitars and training from Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery, Joe brings a rare mix of experience, technical skill, and artistic vision. His instruments don’t chase tradition, they honor it, while confidently doing their own thing. And for a player who wants to do the same? That’s a perfect match.
If you’re a working musician looking for a reliable, standout piece or a tone-chaser who wants something outside the usual mold, Joe Parker’s work is smart, stylish, and built to perform.
Brand Story
"As a musician (I got my start in Jacksonville, FL., performing in bands,) I was always tinkering on my and my friends’ guitars. So, I get how particular a guitarist can be about their instruments. I also have a background as a fine artist and photographer, so aesthetics are very important to me too. These experiences shape my approach to instrument design. Not only should a guitar or pedal look cool, it also needs to operate intuitively, sound great, and be extremely reliable.
In 2009, I decided to deepen my experience and attended Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery, in Phoenix, AZ. After graduating, I moved to Austin, TX to work at Collings Guitars. I spent over five years at Collings, the last three of which I did final setups of the electrics line. Now, I am a one-man shop based in Eugene, OR, offering my own guitars and pedals. I hope they inspire you to do your thing!"