Ardent Guitars
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Fine handcrafted instruments and instrument repair. Building Acoustic Guitars, Irish Bouzoukis and Octave Mandolins. https://ardentguitars.com/
Fine handcrafted instruments from Appleton, WI. Acoustic guitars, Irish Bouzoukis and Octave Mandolins
https://ardentguitars.com/
07/30/2026
Enjoying some time out of the shop with Jolene Arndt to take in the incredible artists hat descend upon Appleton for the Mile of Music Festival
Repair time!
En route to the Mile of Music Festival Roberta Lea 's guitar Sustained some damage. Last night I glued the crack and braces, installed a few cleats and Fiona is ready to hit the stage!
Shop tour of instruments in progress.
An Irish Bouzouki for Jeff Ksiazek of MKE Irish Fest Summer School
A guitar for Kurt Gunn and a couple other new instruments.
Thanks to bob kloes for an incredible selection of inspiring woods to work with!
Kurt is playing the the 7th guitar that I built, it was built for him to pair with his playing style and sound I am currently building my 31st guitar and it will belong to Kurt still pairing with his style but Incorporating a few more personal touches and demonstrating my growth as a luthier. Stay tuned for some updates and pictures!
I feel very fortunate to be supported by incredible musicians and a vibrant arts community here in our little corner of Wisconsin.
Check out The Cedars Project page for other great musicians!
The latest guitar to leave the shop! Today it hops a plane to Sweden to find it's home with my friend and former roommate Jon Hultman
Ardent Guitars
Model: OOO-N
Soundboard: Alaskan Yellow Cedar
Back & Sides: Flames Maple
Neck: Black Limba
Fretboard: Ebony
Bridge: Ebony
Scale Length: 24.9"
Nut Width: 1 13/16"
Additional details: blue maple purfling, fret dots are made with aluminum rings filled with a dark blue resin
05/23/2026
#32 left the shop today!
OOO body
3 piece back made with Bubinga/ Indian Rosewood
Spruce top
Figured maple binding
My dad has been one of my biggest influences and also one of my biggest fans.
He's been a musician for around 60+ years, needless to say like most musicians he is a collector. This is the 4th instrument that I have built for him.
In addition to this gorgeous OOO, he has my 2nd dreadnaught, 1st Irish Bouzouki, 1st 12 string and my 1st banjo neck!
I am very grateful for everyone that has supported me and to all my friends and customers.
Just strung up #30!
My lovely fiance Jolene Marie built this guitar (with a little guidance). She carved every brace, cut every fret slot, sanded every bit and shaped the neck like a master!
A big shout Jolene for building something that few have the patience for and embracing this crazy little business of mine.
She chose to build this out of a stack of Padauk that I have had for some time now.
She did an incredible job and it sounds great for only having strings for about 15 minutes. 🎸🎶👏💥🔥
03/22/2026
with at the historic I've seen these guys quite a few times but this was the best yet!
03/17/2026
It's a good day to celebrate the Irish Bouzouki! Here's a look back on some Celtic themed work from years gone by.
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Appleton, WI
54913
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