The Maker

Arnie on banjo, Erin playing guitar.

Arnie learned his first chord playing around campfires with his dad. At Monterey Peninsula College in the 70’s he studied classical guitar with Bryon Paul Tomingas. In 1972 Arnie bought his first handmade flamenco guitar from Jose Oribe.

Arnie began building guitars in 1978, starting with five-string vihuelas and parlor size steel strings. His wife, Erin O’Toole, also began to design and inlay guitars. Today their diverse talents come together in the musical instruments they build. After twenty plus years of building everything from lutes to harps to resonator guitars, they continue to explore the possibilities of acoustic instruments.

Arnie is an active member of the Luthier’s Guild. String Letter Publishing features his ten-string guitar in the recent book “Custom Guitars”. Well known for his restoration and repair skills, he has been an authorized repairman for Martin, Taylor, Fender and Guild guitars for many years.

CD's Arnie playing the classical and steelstring guitars.

Arnie is an accomplished guitarist and mandolin player, a familiar face at local jams. As both a player and teacher himself, Arnie is sympathetic to the particular needs of individual players and their music. His guitars have satisfied many players both in the classical and steel string world.

Erin O'Toole's books and illustrations can be seen at www.erinotoole.com