Today we’d like to introduce you to John LeVan.
Hi John, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My career began in 1985, when I was in High School. I traded a set of rims from my bike for an old Norma electric guitar. The first thing I did was take it apart and try to put it all back together. That experience got me interested in playing and building guitars. I worked out of my basement in Wooster, Ohio, and pursued every Guitar Tech and Luthier in my area to learn the process. In 1989, my Grandfather, Col. John G. Bilson surprised me with a visit. I hadn’t seen him since 1978! I opened the door, and he gave me my orders! He said, “Son, you’re moving to California and going back to college!” He handed me an address and said, “I expect you to arrive in one month.” He then got into his car and drove away. With nothing to lose, I packed up my 1975 Monte Carlo and hit the road bound for Rocklin, California. I enrolled at Sierra College, majoring in Computer Science. In 1990, I opened my first legitimate Guitar Repair Shop on High Street in Auburn. I was invited to join the Sacramento Valley Luthier’s Guild, where I learned from several Great Luthiers; Michael Lewis, Gary Ducina, Wayne Charvelle, Jimmi Beeler, and the Magnificent (Duke of Pearl) Chuck Erikson! It was a great learning experience. A few years later, I was invited to study with Bob Taylor and his team at Taylor Guitars in El Cajon, C.A. In 1996, I studied with Tom Anderson (Anderson Guitar Works) and moved my operation to Nashville, Tennessee, and opened my shop on 17th Ave. S. (Music Row). I developed a training program for Guitar Technicians and Luthiers to train them for a career and pass on the craft. Since moving to Tennessee, my business has thrived, and my career has taken many turns! Back in 2004, I was approached by Mel Bay Publishers to write a book, Guitar Setup, Maintenance & Repair. After some negotiations, the project turned into 5 books and few videos. Since then, I have written articles & columns for GBase.com, Acoustic Guitar Magazine, Collectable Guitar Magazine, Wood & Steel, and Premier Guitar Magazine. This year, I just completed my 6th book, Fretwork Essentials, published by Mel Bay. My two passions are Restoring Vintage Guitars and teaching others what I have learned. What sets my training program apart from the other schools? It’s simple: 1) Hands-on Training, 2) We don’t nickel & dime our students, the Tuition includes everything you need to complete the class, and you get to keep all of the tools, supplies, and study materials. My goal is to pass on the tradition of Lutherie for the next generation. There is a big demand for qualified, well-trained Guitar Techs & Luthiers, which is why I created The Guitar Services Workshop. We recently built a new shop/school in Chapel Hill, Tennessee. Check us out at: guitarservices.com
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been easy! I grew up on welfare, moving all over the United States. I’ve lived in Nashua, Kittery, Boston, Newark, Dallas, San Francisco, and even Mohican, Ohio! When I was 16, my stepfather abandoned us and we were evicted from our farm. I quit high school in 10th grade and went to work. I did everything from Farm work with the Amish to pressure washing garbage trucks. I did construction, lawn care, restaurants, and half a dozen factories in North East Ohio. Once settled in Wooster, Ohio, I enrolled at Wooster High and joined the OWE (Occupational Work Education) program. Because I joined OWE, I was able to work full time 2nd & 3rd shift (To be clear, I was only authorized to work part time, but sometimes you gotta do whatever it takes to pay the bills). I went to school for 1/2 a day and then off to work. The best lesson I learned from the Amish, (Especially from my friend, Levi Miller), is; “Work hard, work smart, be honest and you will be successful”. I try to apply these principals to everything I do. Like most Humans, I have had some very difficult times, but I choose to pick myself up, dust off the stupid and make it happen!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in Vintage Guitar Restoration, Training Guitar Techs & Luthiers, and tool development. I’m best known for my guitar repair books, articles, and videos. I’m proud of my repair & setup work.
I work with a lot of professional musicians, and seeing them play a guitar that I repaired for them on stage or TV is always a thrill.
What sets me apart from the other Luthiers is my commitment to my clients. My philosophy is to adjust the guitar to the player’s playing style, within the limits of both. This coupled with the “Luthier’s Directive” (to preserve or raise the value of the instruments I work on), affords me the opportunity to make my clients guitars the best they can be. In addition, I love to teach! Educating customers about the proper care for their instruments will always benefit all involved.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I have taken a few risks on my journey as a Luthier. Moving across the country, working with sketchy producers, developing new tools and processes. Some worked out well, others ended up with ZEROS attached. The key to risk-taking is management and research! learn from those who have failed and succeeded in their field. Failure is an excellent teacher if you’re willing to learn. In other words, don’t look at failure as the end; it’s actually the beginning of true experience, experience that can be built on and developed into the next big thing.
Contact Info:
- Website: guitarservices.com
- Twitter: @LeVansGuitarsTN
- Youtube: @guitarservices5134
