Exploring Life & Business with Josh Lamkin of Lamkin Guitars

Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Lamkin.

Hi Josh, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always been fascinated by the guitar, my dad started taking me to see live music when I was maybe 2 or 3, and since then I’ve been hooked. My journey started out as taking instruments apart and putting them back together.

Eventually, I started modifying guitars, everything from changing the electronics to repainting. When I got to high school I figured I could probably build a guitar from scratch, so I did a ton of research, bugged family friends, and neighbors to let me use their tools and by some stroke of luck, I built a guitar that actually worked. I built a couple more for my own enjoyment, which led to friends expressing interest in having their own custom guitars and basses built. When I graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2021, I decided to move down to Nashville to pursue a career in the music industry.

You can find me playing in bands around town and handcrafting fine instruments in my workshop.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been a lot of luck and being in the right place at the right time. most business has been through word of mouth.

Building a guitar is mostly fixing mistakes and learning. I’ve learned to make a plan and stick to it as close as possible, it tends to yield the best results. But something will inevitably go wrong no matter what, so being able to come up with creative solutions on the fly has been an invaluable skill.

We’ve been impressed with Lamkin Guitars, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I specialize in custom builds and modifications. I also do light repairs, custom wiring, refrets, and setups.

My mission as a builder is to create instruments that feel like an extension of the player. I believe that every musician should have an instrument (in this case guitar and bass) that represents who they are as an individual.

No two builds are the same, each one is made to inspire the player.

Affordable Custom Guitars and Basses for the working musician.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Youtube is a fantastic DIY resource, especially for learning the basic skills needed to enter the world of luthiery. I often go back to watch other more established builders for inspiration and troubleshooting ideas.

Facebook is another great community resource for inspiration and troubleshooting. There are many groups and pages dedicated to guitar building and finishing.

Pricing:

• Basic Setup – $45
• Custom builds start at $1800
• AVG build cost is $2200
• Call or message for other service pricing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lamkinguitars/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lamkinguitars 

Image Credits
Nita’Ann