Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Butler.
Hi Kelly , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started in the guitar industry in 1995 at an entry level position at the Gibson Custom Shop. I did numerous repairs, custom built show pieces, artist customs and designed new models.I was there for anumber of years until I was recruited by a company in Boston called First Act. First Act was primarily know for entry-level guitars sold at mass retail. They brought me on board to set up and run a custom shop making pro level instruments to put in the hands of artists. The intent was to lend credibility to the brand name to drive sales at mass retail. It was very successful. Within 2 years we had over 100 artist on tour with out guitars. For the last ten years I have been teaching at the Musicians Institute Guitar Craft Academy as well as Guitar Build Workshop with Josh Hurst. Along with Josh and Gustavo Rodrigues we create my current brand K. Butler Guitars. K. Butler Guitars currently produces 6 pro level models for around $2400 each in standard configurations. You can see the Guitars at kbutlerguitars.com as well as on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and others. You can also get your hands on one at Tone Central Station in Nashville or Jack’s Guitarcheology in Lebanon
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Theres a ton of solid competition out there. Theres no such thing as smooth sailing. Honestly, making the product is the easy part Sales is another story all together. When the economy is booming Sales are up. When it isn’t so good Sales are down. For many, a custom boutique guitar is a luxury item. Those items fall by the wayside when money gets tight. Although, you can get financing.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At K.Butler Guitars we specialize in solid body electric Guitars that have a familiar feel and tone with a unique design and presentation. We use specialized pickup sets and some patented hardware.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Gustavo Rodrigues and Josh Hurst have been instrumental in the development and growth of K. Butler Guitars
Pricing:
- $1800 to $3000
Contact Info:
- Website: kbutlerguitars.com
- Email: Kbutler@kbutlerguitars.com
- Instagram: @k.butlerguitars
- Facebook: Kbutlerguitars
- Twitter: Kbutlertuitars
