mcswain guitars

His father, a talented singer, and his mother, an avid painter, sewer, and sculptor, nurtured Stephen’s artistic inclinations and encouraged his explorative spirit. From a young age, Stephen showcased his creativity with a Dremel tool and an Exacto knife set, carving simple designs out of wood. His attention to detail and passion for drawing laid a strong foundation for his future endeavours in both art and music.

Stephen’s musical journey began in high school, where he joined the choir under the guidance of exceptional directors. The choir’s international competitions provided him with invaluable experience and exposure to the world of music. This experience ignited a passion for performance and collaboration, leading him to form his first band during his college years. It was during this time that he developed a close friendship with Stephen Hall, who would later become his business partner.

After graduating from college, Stephen took a job in sales for a medical supply company, which allowed him to return to his hometown. While living at home temporarily, he rediscovered his love for woodworking and guitar-making. He purchased an alder Super Strat-style guitar body from Warmoth and began carving intricate designs of faces and interwoven vines into the wood. Encouraged by local music store staff, he sought to get his creations into the hands of renowned musicians.

With the help of Stephen Hall, who had previously obtained Steve Vai’s personal phone number, Stephen reached out to the legendary guitarist. To his surprise, Steve answered the call, leading to an opportunity to send him one of his custom guitar bodies. The feedback Stephen received from Vai established his credibility in the music industry and opened doors for him to connect with various national bands that toured through Charlotte.

In 1996, at the NAMM show, Stephen set up two guitars and a box of business cards at the Trick Percussion drum booth. A Japanese distribution company approached him with an offer to purchase ten guitars—an amount that surpassed his annual corporate salary. With this pivotal moment, he made the bold decision to leave his corporate job and pursue his passion for luthiery and music full-time, driven by the knowledge that such an opportunity would not come again.

In 1998, Stephen relocated to Los Angeles, where he continued to build his reputation as a luthier. His dedication and hard work paid off as he sold guitars to notable musicians, including Slash, Jared Leto, Elijah Blue, and George Lynch. He collaborated with prominent guitar brands like ESP and Schecter, further establishing his brand in the competitive music industry.

In 2014, Stephen and his wife decided to move to Portland, Oregon, where they have embraced the natural beauty and artistic community of the Pacific Northwest. Over the past decade, they have watched their two sons grow into young adults, both of whom occasionally assist Stephen with his guitar projects. Today, Stephen continues to pursue his passion for guitar-making and music, cherishing his family life and the creative journey that has defined his career. His story is one of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of passion, inspiring others to follow their dreams.