Meet Scott “Stonewall” Miller of Stonewall Instruments in Dover

Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott “Stonewall” Miller.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been in the musical instrument industry for most of my life. I built my first electric guitar in high school. My high school actually offered a guitar building class. I’m still friends with my guitar building teacher, Mr. Hoyt. After dropping out of Berklee College of Music, I realized my real passion was in creating guitars, so I attended Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery.

After graduation, I apprenticed under Luthier, Michael Spalt. Michael’s approach to the electric guitar was very unique compared to other builders. This is where I honed my woodworking skills and repair techniques and also learned how to work with other materials such as aluminum, bone, and plexiglass. While working for Michael, I repaired and modified guitars for many well-known musicians and producers. I was also had the opportunity to build Zen Riffer Keyboards. Building these keyboards allowed me to experience different aspects of the industry, such as research and development. I have been building my own guitars professionally since I graduated from Roberto-Venn. I also started winding my own pickups about ten years ago so I can have complete control over the tone of my guitars.

I moved from Los Angeles to New Hampshire in 2010. When I moved to Portsmouth, I worked under Chris Pearne for the last sixteen months of his life. Chris was THE Luthier on the Seacoast for the last few decades. He passed the torch when he died. It was quite the compliment.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth?? No, not exactly. But I can make arguments for both sides. There isn’t a lot money in the musical instrument industry. Guitar builders seem to be in one of two categories: ones who want to make money and those of us who want to make an impact in the industry through innovation and close attention to detail. But when you love what you do… I have also been very lucky; I have a very supportive mother, I went to a great guitar building school, I was very lucky to be one of the few apprentices of Michael Spalt, and I set up my own shop in New Hampshire at just the right time, riding the economic wave.

Stonewall Instruments – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Most of the guitars I build are specific to each customer’s needs. I specialize in set-neck electric guitars made from repurposed lumber, typically 100 to 250 years old. I’ve really been getting into 150 year old pine and cedar. I have some chestnut from 1750; predates the Constitution of the United States of America. So far, I have been building guitars with familiar designs but with with small changes to the aesthetic and construction for better playability. Fixing the problems of guitars of the past. I’m really excited about where I’m going; I’m hoping to push the boundaries of what people think of guitars. My attention to detail is what really sets me apart from the rest. The feel, tone, and playability of my guitars really makes my guitars memorable.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I definitely don’t measure success with money. I think I’m measuring my success by the respect of my peers. But I don’t really think too much about “success”. I mostly think about the future of my business and where I’m going.

Pricing:

• Stonewall Instruments (set-necks) – $4,000 and up
• Stonewall Instruments Pebbles (bolt-on necks) – $2,500 and up
• Stonewall Pickups ToneCasters – $1,500 and up
• Stonewall Pickups – $95, $100, $115, $140, $150, $165, $185 per pickup

Contact Info:

• Address: 282 Knox Marsh Road
  Madbury, NH 03823
• Phone: 603-343-4488
• Email: stonewallinstruments@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/stonewall_instruments
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/stonewallinstruments
• Other: www.reverb.com/shop/scotts-shop-107

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