Name:
Mike Sankey
Location:
Ottawa, Canada
I've been building and repairing guitars for 16 years. Each one is crafted individually, slowly, by hand. I give my instruments names, not serial numbers, because every one is unique. I like to maintain a modern and functionalist aesthetic, showcasing the natural beauty of local woods. Hopefully you'll enjoy them too!
Thursday, July 17, 2014 at 5:30PM carving an archtop guitar soundboard from Michael Sankey on Vimeo.
Here's a little video I made: it's a stop-motion of the process of carving an archtop guitar. The soundtrack is me playing the completed instrument, "A-train". Enjoy!
archtop, workshop tips Sunday, July 13, 2014 at 4:53PM
Oftentimes it's easier to build anew than to repair the old. But when a friend gave me the spinning speaker out of an old console organ (broken, of course), I knew I had to save it. With some old parts and some new, I have turned it into a totally unique guitarists' combo amp. Click on the pic to read more...
Friday, June 20, 2014 at 1:50PM 
That's right, it's almost time for the Ottawa Guitar Show that I've organised for the past three years. This edition takes place in a new venue: the amazing Glebe Community Centre, a spectacular heritage building in one of Ottawa's lovliest neighbourhoods. I should know- I grew up there, and went to summer camps, after-school programs and other activities at the G.C.C.
There will be plenty of space for our greatly expanded roster of exhibitors too; over 33 luthiers from as far away as Toronto, Montreal, and northern New York will be there showing their work. There will be concerts featuring these amazing instruments running all day too. If you love guitars, or even just appreciate fine craftsmanship, you won't want to miss it. See you on june 29th!
Michael Sankey
The Ottawa Guitar Show was a terrific success! Thank you to all the amazing luthiers who came to display their work, as well as to the volunteers who helped make the show happen. I sure hope to do this again next year!
Saturday, April 5, 2014 at 7:50PM 
Introducing Pebble. This is a smoothly contoured headless guitar that rocks hard, yet plays as soft as butter. It's a simple, robust instrument that's a real players' axe. Clic on the pic to read more...
Friday, March 21, 2014 at 8:27PM 
In my continual quest to create a perfect modern interpretation of the archtop guitar, I present to you my latest: "Spur". It has some unique features like one-piece wraparound sides, a stereo output, and of course that knee rest. Click on the pic to read more...