Collection: Verrilli

Frank Verrilli is originally from Bridgeport, Connecticut. He has been a full time artist for over 20 years. Initially in his career he worked exclusively in wood, carving both relief and three dimensionally. He later began doing pieces in stone and bronze as well. About mid career he also began painting. So his background is a bit different than some other guitar makers.

About 12 years ago he was given a commission to carve on a guitar, and since he also plays a little he thought he'd make one for himself. About the same time he started appreciating vintage tube amplifiers, and soon he became hooked on the process of building a guitar that would incorporate his sensibility of design and also function well. Looking at his artwork one can see certain principles that he naturally would apply to his guitars. Aside from his intricate carvings he does on some of the bodies, he's come up with some very distinct features.

Verrilli relies on a lot of "relicing" techniques to add to his earthy and organic style. "I like a guitar to look like it's alive, and has some character, having a comfort and looseness about it that makes it very approachable, so you want to hold it and play, and not have to worry about scratching it. Its sort of a work in progress that gets better with time.