Dennis MacPherson

Sitting through the Q. & A. with luthier Dennis MacPherson was a challenge to make me think about my handling of a guitar, the way I like to play it.This interviewing process is the beginning of a journey that MacPherson Guitarworks needs to understand for his building philosophy as well.I primarily play the 12 string with open G tuning and with an active slide Kottke style.Again, there is much finger picking.I wanted the biggest sound out of the biggest body he could create on his bench.Dennis allowed me to co-design it with him ( if I may use that phrase loosely).The Jumbo J 200 12 string cutaway was now conceived !!!The wood selection process was another treasure trove hunt.I selected a High Quilted African Sapele for the body with Brazilian Bloodwood binding for contrast.Wow !!!We were both very happy with the choices as he held them side by side.He described his sculpted bracing techniques ( which I cant go into ) for this huge bodied wonder.Dennis was open to my ideas for an oval modified soundhole also bound with that difficult - to - bend Bloodwood.
...
For the electronics Dennis installed a Fishman Prefix/Tuner.I wont lie to you, as the challenges that went into this guitar were not for a novice guitar builder.Mac proved he was the man for the job.Dennis consulted with me along the way of the building process.
...
Followup: Dennis cannot stress enough the importance of good humidification for a new guitar.He recommends several different ways to care for your guitar.Read and Heed !!!Neck tune-ups are customary for Spring & Fall.Consult him for a wealth of guitar shop talk.

Summary: This guitar is another Masterpiece !!!Dennis will never cease to amaze you with his ability to blend fantastic sound with unprecedented beauty.This Black Pearl is one for the Guitar Hall of Fame.The high quilting is mesmerizing ! The Bloodwood keeps your eyes from wandering off the guitar as the movement plays tricks on them.It's almost more fun to look at than to play.I think I hear the tune of a custom classical being made for my next review..... yes, it's that affordable ! Dennis, thanks for your professional contributions and keep up the great work.
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Purchase: I obtained my Black Pearl directly from the luthier, Dennis MacPherson of Ringwood, NJ.
...
But, Dennis MacPherson founder of MacPherson Guitarworks is definitely dedicated to a long term quality relationship with current and soon to be owners of these very playable works of art, he provides a life time warranty which truly works.
...
History: We've always looked up to Dennis MacPherson and his unbelievable talents for crafting amazing instruments from the finest materials in the world.

Black Pearl Guitars by Dennis MacPherson

The Purchase: I have been a working musician for over 30 years and I have a number of great electric and acoustic guitars. In the my collection of 30 instruments I have never had a Martin guitar or a really high end acoustic (I do have a Takamine and this has served me well) and I have tried many. The mass produced acoustic guitars never seem to meet my expectation so I have put off the purchase of a really top of the line acoustic guitar in hopes that something great would come along. About two years ago my wife showed me an advertisement for MacPherson Guitar works and it is about 5 minutes from my house and I had a bunch of things I wanted done to several of my electric and acoustic guitars. I met Dennis MacPherson and after several minutes of talking to him I knew this guy was extraordinary with guitars. He looked a several of the guitars and with some he made minor adjustments that made a world of difference and the ones that I left for more extensive work were phenomenal when I picked them up after Dennis had worked on them. He had a number of his hand made guitars around the shop and since I am left handed it was not easy to really play them but I did know that what I could play (upside down on the righty guitars) sounded and felt like no other guitars I had ever handled. So last month I finally was able to actually purchase a gorgeous left handed Black Pearl guitar.

Believe me when I tell you that if you are thinking about spending the money for a custom, hand made guitar you can stop your search right now! Dennis MacPherson is a guy who knows what to do, how to do it and sits with you to discuss the different types of woods, the neck, the fingerboard, your particular style of playing, the kind of electronics and anything else you can think of so you have a CUSTOM MADE guitar exactly to your specifications.
...
guitar from Dennis MacPherson you will know this truth first hand.

The Guitar: The guitar is a 000 Zero and is as light as a feather but sonically amazing. It rings and sings.....I chose not to have electronics placed in the guitar but Dennis indicated they could always be put in later on. This guitar has back and sides made of African Mahogany, a Red Cedar top, A Mahogany neck. It plays like a dream and sounds beautiful....the notes resonate forever. Dennis a lots of different kinds of wood so you can really create exactly what you want.

If you are not familiar with what types of tones are created with different kinds of wood....Dennis does and he will walk you through selection process each step of the way. Remember that you are working with a person who knows his craft inside and out....this guitar will be unique and built just the way you want it to be!

Follow-up: If you live in the Tri State area it is worth the trip to go to the shop and you can feel the sense of caring, pride and love that Dennis has for his "children". Having a guitar built by Dennis MacPherson is the experience of a lifetime and his guitars will remind you of all the great qualities that people talk about when they are speaking of instruments they love and why they love them.

Summary: Treat yourself to an instrument that will stand the test of time! Get to know Dennis MacPherson and trust his skill, knowledge and passion as you will have a guitar like no other. Once you have one of his custom, hand made guitars you will wonder how you did without one......they are the guitars that you imagine and dream about.....make you dream come true you will never regret it.

On a personal note: Dennis you are the best, thank you for all you have done for all of my guitars and my new "baby" the one you made just for me!
...
Black Pearl Guitars by Dennis MacPherson

The Purchase: Now that I have learned that it wasn't too difficult having a custom made guitar, I proceeded to dip into the well, again, for another one !!! This time it was a Black Pearl 12 string. A little more difficult to make but well worth this investment. Sitting through the Q. & A. with luthier Dennis MacPherson was a challenge to make me think about my handling of a guitar, the way I like to play it. This interviewing process is the beginning of a journey that MacPherson Guitarworks needs to understand for his building philosophy as well. I primarily play the 12 string with open G tuning and with an active slide Kottke style. Again, there is much finger picking. I wanted the biggest sound out of the biggest body he could create on his bench. Dennis allowed me to co-design it with him ( if I may use that phrase loosely). The Jumbo J 200 12 string cutaway was now conceived !!! The wood selection process was another treasure trove hunt. I selected a High Quilted African Sapele for the body with Brazilian Bloodwood binding for contrast. Wow !!! We were both very happy with the choices as he held them side by side. He described his sculpted bracing techniques ( which I cant go into ) for this huge bodied wonder. Dennis was open to my ideas for an oval modified soundhole also bound with that difficult - to - bend Bloodwood.
...
For the electronics Dennis installed a Fishman Prefix/Tuner. I wont lie to you, as the challenges that went into this guitar were not for a novice guitar builder. Mac proved he was the man for the job. Dennis consulted with me along the way of the building process.
...
Followup: Dennis cannot stress enough the importance of good humidification for a new guitar. He recommends several different ways to care for your guitar. Read and Heed !!! Neck tune-ups are customary for Spring & Fall. Consult him for a wealth of guitar shop talk.

Summary: This guitar is another Masterpiece !!! Dennis will never cease to amaze you with his ability to blend fantastic sound with unprecedented beauty. This Black Pearl is one for the Guitar Hall of Fame. The high quilting is mesmerizing ! The Bloodwood keeps your eyes from wandering off the guitar as the movement plays tricks on them. It's almost more fun to look at than to play. I think I hear the tune of a custom classical being made for my next review..... yes, it's that affordable ! Dennis, thanks for your professional contributions and keep up the great work.
...
Black Pearl Guitars by Dennis MacPherson
...
Black Pearl Guitars by Dennis MacPherson

History: I have been playing guitar for over 20 years both for my own pleasure and occasionally professionally. Historically my choice has been Martin guitars because of their sound and quality. The Black Pearl Guitar is every bit as good as what I am accustomed to, however, it incorporates features not available from Nazareth.

Purchase: I obtained my Black Pearl directly from the luthier, Dennis MacPherson of Ringwood, NJ.
...
Black Pearl Guitars by Dennis MacPherson
...
But, Dennis MacPherson founder of MacPherson Guitarworks is definitely dedicated to a long term quality relationship with current and soon to be owners of these very playable works of art, he provides a life time warranty which truly works.
...
Black Pearl Guitars by Dennis MacPherson
...
Black Pearl Guitars by Dennis MacPherson
...
Black Pearl Guitars by Dennis MacPherson

History: We've always looked up to Dennis MacPherson and his unbelievable talents for crafting amazing instruments from the finest materials in the world.

People work daily in tandem with the instructor, Dennis MacPherson, a 25 year veteran of the craft, who builds an instrument along with everyone during the course.

Dennis MacPherson

Black Pearl Guitars by Dennis MacPherson

The Purchase: I have been a working musician for over 30 years and I have a number of great electric and acoustic guitars. In the my collection of 30 instruments I have never had a Martin guitar or a really high end acoustic (I do have a Takamine and this has served me well) and I have tried many. The mass produced acoustic guitars never seem to meet my expectation so I have put off the purchase of a really top of the line acoustic guitar in hopes that something great would come along. About two years ago my wife showed me an advertisement for MacPherson Guitar works and it is about 5 minutes from my house and I had a bunch of things I wanted done to several of my electric and acoustic guitars. I met Dennis MacPherson and after several minutes of talking to him I knew this guy was extraordinary with guitars. He looked a several of the guitars and with some he made minor adjustments that made a world of difference and the ones that I left for more extensive work were phenomenal when I picked them up after Dennis had worked on them. He had a number of his hand made guitars around the shop and since I am left handed it was not easy to really play them but I did know that what I could play (upside down on the righty guitars) sounded and felt like no other guitars I had ever handled. So last month I finally was able to actually purchase a gorgeous left handed Black Pearl guitar.

Believe me when I tell you that if you are thinking about spending the money for a custom, hand made guitar you can stop your search right now! Dennis MacPherson is a guy who knows what to do, how to do it and sits with you to discuss the different types of woods, the neck, the fingerboard, your particular style of playing, the kind of electronics and anything else you can think of so you have a CUSTOM MADE guitar exactly to your specifications.
...
guitar from Dennis MacPherson you will know this truth first hand.

The Guitar: The guitar is a 000 Zero and is as light as a feather but sonically amazing. It rings and sings.....I chose not to have electronics placed in the guitar but Dennis indicated they could always be put in later on. This guitar has back and sides made of African Mahogany, a Red Cedar top, A Mahogany neck. It plays like a dream and sounds beautiful....the notes resonate forever. Dennis a lots of different kinds of wood so you can really create exactly what you want.

If you are not familiar with what types of tones are created with different kinds of wood....Dennis does and he will walk you through selection process each step of the way. Remember that you are working with a person who knows his craft inside and out....this guitar will be unique and built just the way you want it to be!

Follow-up: If you live in the Tri State area it is worth the trip to go to the shop and you can feel the sense of caring, pride and love that Dennis has for his "children". Having a guitar built by Dennis MacPherson is the experience of a lifetime and his guitars will remind you of all the great qualities that people talk about when they are speaking of instruments they love and why they love them.

Summary: Treat yourself to an instrument that will stand the test of time! Get to know Dennis MacPherson and trust his skill, knowledge and passion as you will have a guitar like no other. Once you have one of his custom, hand made guitars you will wonder how you did without one......they are the guitars that you imagine and dream about.....make you dream come true you will never regret it.

On a personal note: Dennis you are the best, thank you for all you have done for all of my guitars and my new "baby" the one you made just for me!
...
Black Pearl Guitars by Dennis MacPherson

The Purchase: Now that I have learned that it wasn't too difficult having a custom made guitar, I proceeded to dip into the well, again, for another one !!! This time it was a Black Pearl 12 string. A little more difficult to make but well worth this investment. Sitting through the Q. & A. with luthier Dennis MacPherson was a challenge to make me think about my handling of a guitar, the way I like to play it. This interviewing process is the beginning of a journey that MacPherson Guitarworks needs to understand for his building philosophy as well. I primarily play the 12 string with open G tuning and with an active slide Kottke style. Again, there is much finger picking. I wanted the biggest sound out of the biggest body he could create on his bench. Dennis allowed me to co-design it with him ( if I may use that phrase loosely). The Jumbo J 200 12 string cutaway was now conceived !!! The wood selection process was another treasure trove hunt. I selected a High Quilted African Sapele for the body with Brazilian Bloodwood binding for contrast. Wow !!! We were both very happy with the choices as he held them side by side. He described his sculpted bracing techniques ( which I cant go into ) for this huge bodied wonder. Dennis was open to my ideas for an oval modified soundhole also bound with that difficult - to - bend Bloodwood.
...
For the electronics Dennis installed a Fishman Prefix/Tuner. I wont lie to you, as the challenges that went into this guitar were not for a novice guitar builder. Mac proved he was the man for the job. Dennis consulted with me along the way of the building process.
...
Followup: Dennis cannot stress enough the importance of good humidification for a new guitar. He recommends several different ways to care for your guitar. Read and Heed !!! Neck tune-ups are customary for Spring & Fall. Consult him for a wealth of guitar shop talk.

Summary: This guitar is another Masterpiece !!! Dennis will never cease to amaze you with his ability to blend fantastic sound with unprecedented beauty. This Black Pearl is one for the Guitar Hall of Fame. The high quilting is mesmerizing ! The Bloodwood keeps your eyes from wandering off the guitar as the movement plays tricks on them. It's almost more fun to look at than to play. I think I hear the tune of a custom classical being made for my next review..... yes, it's that affordable ! Dennis, thanks for your professional contributions and keep up the great work.
...
Black Pearl Guitars by Dennis MacPherson
...
Black Pearl Guitars by Dennis MacPherson

History: I have been playing guitar for over 20 years both for my own pleasure and occasionally professionally. Historically my choice has been Martin guitars because of their sound and quality. The Black Pearl Guitar is every bit as good as what I am accustomed to, however, it incorporates features not available from Nazareth.

Purchase: I obtained my Black Pearl directly from the luthier, Dennis MacPherson of Ringwood, NJ.
...
Black Pearl Guitars by Dennis MacPherson
...
But, Dennis MacPherson founder of MacPherson Guitarworks is definitely dedicated to a long term quality relationship with current and soon to be owners of these very playable works of art, he provides a life time warranty which truly works.
...
Black Pearl Guitars by Dennis MacPherson
...
Black Pearl Guitars by Dennis MacPherson
...
Black Pearl Guitars by Dennis MacPherson

History: We've always looked up to Dennis MacPherson and his unbelievable talents for crafting amazing instruments from the finest materials in the world.

People work daily in tandem with the instructor, Dennis MacPherson, a 25 year veteran of the craft, who builds an instrument along with everyone during the course.

Dennis MacPherson

Dennis MacPherson of MacPherson Guitarworks was there with two of his hand-made guitars. One was all koa with some gorgeous wood to ogle and the other was a Brazilian rosewood dreadnought with spectacular book matched wood that looked like a Rorschach pattern or some Peter Max painting with mirror images of the profile of some Egyptian priestess. Even though he said he was still waiting for it to break in, it had a wonderful ring out on the high end and classic complexity down in the lows.

Dennis MacPherson 973.506.4187 914.206.3637 dennis@macphersonguitars.com

Dennis  MacPhersonRingwood Chamber of Commerce - View Member
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Dennis MacPherson