No one works in a vacuum, but Frank Schley IV of Silvan Guitars really proves the value of building your business with a collaborative community. Frank developed his skills under the tutelage of Scott Baxendale, well-known for his Harmony conversions and restorations. No surprise, then, that Frank has a deep understanding and appreciation for vintage, something that’s apparent in his modern takes on the Tele and Strat-style electrics, and in the classic ‘bursts and shapes of his acoustics. But he’s certainly not one to shy away from trying something new in his own guitars, whether that be reworking a body shape, utilizing an uncommon tonewood or inlay material, or going above and beyond to customize to a player’s requests. Every Silvan guitar has a flair to it that’ll catch your eye in a crowded shop, but it’s their excellent tone and playability that’ll make you take one home.
Frank chose Silvan for his shop name because it means of the woods or of trees. Not just clever branding, it’s made even more meaningful by the fact that he often uses domestic woods from his family’s forestry lands in building his guitars. Frank is also passionate about fostering a collaborative, creative scene in his home base of Athens, GA, calling on talented local friends to demo his guitars and opening up his picturesque workshop to live concerts. He’s also partnered with electric specialist Georgia Quarter Guitars and continues to offer repair services. If ever there were a template for the modern luthier, we think Frank’s got it.
Learn more about Silvan Guitars: https://www.silvanguitars.com/
Follow Silvan Guitars on Instagram
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Available Silvan Guitars at CVE
Featured instruments:
Silvan 12-Fret Parlor Koa/Redwood
Silvan OM Mango/Cedar
Featured musicians: Lindsay Straw
Season 1. Episode 7: Richard Hoover of Santa Cruz Guitar Co.
Season 1. Episode 6: Isaac Jang Guitars
Season 1. Episode 5: Tom Sands Guitars
Season 1. Episode 4: G.R. Bear Guitars
Season 1. Episode 3: Turnstone Guitars
Season 1. Episode 2: Jason Kostal
Season 1. Episode 1: Grit Laskin
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