William ‘Grit’ Laskin has been building concert level Steel String, Flamenco and Classical guitars In Toronto, Canada since 1971. He is the originator of the Bevels on acoustic guitars as well as the Sideport Soundhole. He is also known for his groudbreaking Inlay Art. The latest book on his Inlay Art is Grand Complications–50 Guitars & 50 Stories. He has received Canada’s highest award for Craft Excellence, the Saidye Bronfman Award, as well as being given the Order Of Canada, the country’s highest civilian honour for his innovative guitar work and his contributions to Canada’s music community.
The featured guitar, “SCHOOL STRIKE”, inspired largely by Greta Thunberg, has Inlay Art that focuses on the climate crisis. But this guitar was also designed in collaboration with Kora Jünger and Frank Deimel. On two Deimel guitars Kora created art also inspired by Ms. Thunberg, but expanded the theme to include other courageous young people who are changing the world.
Kora and myself will make ourselves available for a Zoom session with any who are interested and book the event with us. The scheduled time is tentatively: both Saturday & Sunday, at 18:00 Berlin time / Noon in Toronto.
I have been playing the guitar since age 9 and loved woodworking, so becoming a guitarmaker was a logical extension, and is a career I still feel passionate about.
