Here is a mini interview that I'm conducting some of my favorite artists listed on this site.

Dale Unger

Dale was born September 16, 1954, raised in Nazareth, PA, home of Martin Guitar. In his teens Dale became inspired by meeting some of the world's finest guitar builders. This led me to play guitar and become a builder. Visiting the shop of one of Martin's craftsmen encouraged me to buy one of his guitars. Dale was overwhelmed by the craftsmanship and ease of playing. At that point Dale knew he wanted to build an instrument of that quality. Dale started building acoustic guitars in 1977 in collaboration with friend Dick Boak.

In 1993 Dale began an apprentice with Archtop guitar builder, Robert Benedetto. Working for Bob for several years was an experience of a lifetime. Teaching me his secrets and passions for the Archtop guitar that has taken him some 30 years to master. Together Dale and Bob built some of the worlds finest Archtop guitars.

Gradually, Dale started incorporating Bob’s secrets with his own ideas. In 1996, inspired by Bob and Cindy Benedetto, Dale began offering his own handmade Archtop guitars under the American Archtop Brand, for which Dale have received critical acclaim. American Archtop Guitars are built for the player. Guitars are custom ordered and Dale is always available to discuss your personal preferences. Dale is president and owner of American Archtop Guitars. Dale's world—famous instruments are built in his home in Nazareth, Pa. All guitars are designed and constructed by Dale from start to finish. Despite the substantial demands for his instruments. Dale rarely handcraft more than 20 instruments per year.

Dale also offer several workshops varying from design to the actual construction of an Archtop Guitar. Dale also produced a CD under his own label with several of his American Archtop players demonstrating the unique sounds of Dale's American Archtop guitars.

( Curt Sheller ) What got you interested in building guitars, and in particular archtops.?

( Dale Unger )