About Us
BA Ferguson Guitars
I started making guitars & mandolins for the love of the art as well as my love for the history of the instrument. During my apprenticeship under Barry Martin as well as working my own repair shop, I've had the privilege of handling a variety of old instruments, some dating as far back as the early 1700's. Any time I had one of these masterpieces on my bench, I'd turn into a little kid, wishing to travel through time to see this fine work of art being crafted. All the intricate detail work in the inlay, whether on fret boards or on the body of the instrument, as well as comparing antique and modern structures in addition to bracing patterns and their origins would send my imagination on a wild ride. Being a musician myself, I gained a huge appreciation for how far the guitar and mandolin have come.
As I started to make my own instruments, I began to seek to honor those luthiers that came before us as I endeavored to do in my repair work. What better way do so, than to be innovative with the style as well as technique while keeping in mind the roots of their purpose. We make instruments with all respect to the past, and all eyes to the future, crafting instruments that will outlast us and make an impact on those around us.
BA Ferguson guitars and mandolins are made in the fine little town of Hartsville, South Carolina where people are already passionate about art. Its history is rich and its climate is a little challenging, which is par for the course as we try to make a work of art that is also road-worthy. You'll find that we're so passionate about the instruments we make, that the quality is unmistakably and unquestionably remarkable. And if there, by chance, happens to be any question, we will always make it right, without hassle or worry. Being a veteran in the repair side of luthery means that we're always thinking a step ahead, and if that is not enough, we have the warranty service to match.
At BA Ferguson Guitars, you'll find fine, hand-crafted stringed instruments made with passion, not just for the love of the art, but also for the love of our world and the people in it. That is why we strive to use re-purposed wood. That is, wood that was once something else and is re-used for our guitars. We use anything from old, irreparable furniture, downed trees local to our area, to used coffee stirrers from the awesome coffee shop just down the street from us. Any wood that is not re-purposed, comes from suppliers that practice eco-friendly, sustainable harvesting techniques. When you receive your instrument from us, it will have its own story to tell.
I love music, I love guitars, and I love people. As we grow, we aim to impact the world around us through acts of kindness and mentoring programs starting in our own neighborhoods and spreading them across the globe. In the future, we have plans to teach forthcoming generations the love of art, whether it be through learning music, photography, sound engineering, etc., as well as a love for our world and the people in it whether that be through sustainable agricultural practices or simply serving your neighbor. My hope, is that one day, as you play an instrument that was made here in little ole Hartsville, you'll feel your part in changing our world for the better as you play the music that moves you.
Sincerely,
BA