User:Vegasguitars/Neil Smith (Luthier)

Guitar builder Neil Smith is know for his "Supernatural" guitar line & "Stardust" guitar and bass lines which are instruments built in the tradition of US guitar companies in the 50s and 60s - completely by hand using no computer aided routers (CNC machines) or outsourcing. He and his partner Susi Steffens are also known for their "Tone Garden" pickup line - also made in the tradition of early pickup manufacturing in the tradition of early PAF pickups. He is a certified repairer for over 20 instrument brands and is a member in good standing of the Association of Musical Instrument Repairers. Vegas Guitars is an authorized Fender instruments service center and parts and accessories dealer. Moreover, Neil is the only Gold level certified (Fender’s highest certification) technician in Las Vegas and one of only 28 Custom Shop Custom Care centers in the US & Canada. Additionally Neil installs the JD Bridge Doctor for acoustic guitars and is a level II Buzz Feiten installer for both electric and acoustic guitars. All work is guaranteed.

Neil Smith owner of Vegas Guitars Custom Shop was born in Anaheim, CA in 1957. He began tinkering with guitars in Denver, CO around 1972. Shortly thereafter he began a successful career as a road musician playing with or opening for such greats as, Sam & Dave, David Clayton Thomas and Blood Sweat & Tears, Delbert McClinton, Peter Tilden morning show Los Angeles, CA (he performed on his show), Herbie Rich (the Electric Flag), Jr. Walker, The Chiffons, Bo Diddley (recorded with Bo), Katey Segal, John Tesh, Little Anthony, Richie Havens and many others; Neil’s road career also including performing in Canada, 15 U.S. states and as a G.S. 12 (government service) for the troops over seas in South East Asia (Japan, Korea, Guam, Okinawa) – many sites in the demilitarized zone and other remote areas. The work he did for the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy earned him one of the first citations awarded an American band by P.A.C.A.F. for outstanding performance on two tours consisting of over 140 performance sites. A few Army soldiers made him an honorary “Red Horse.”

Additionally Neil has done many benefit fund raisers including those for, Colorado Women’s College, The American Cancer Society, Toys for tots & several for Denver Children’s Hospital.

After 17 years of touring, Neil attended college and received two undergraduate degrees with honors and then attended graduate school. Although finding a professional career interesting he decided to return to his first love – working with his hands – fretted instrument repair and building.

“Over the years professional musicians have asked me to work on their instruments – I love the work so it’s my pleasure. I think they ask me because, as a former player I'm acquainted first hand with how frustrating it can be to fight your instrument either tonally or structurally. I understand the demands of different instruments in different styles of playing. Moreover, I’ve realized that while I love music and playing – I love building and repairing stringed instruments far more.” – Neil Smith

Currently Vegas Guitars Custom shop is the most trusted repair shop and source for made from scratch custom guitars in the Las Vegas metro area. Additionally, Neil’s hand made guitars have shipped as far off as London UK. Neil’s client list is long and varied. Many prominent professional musicians appreciate the by appointment and one on one nature of his customer service.

Neil was featured in the Las Vegas Review Journal in both 2003 and 2013 and UNLV magazine Summer of 2013. Las Vegas, NV Review Journal article: http://www.reviewjournal.com/business/guitar-maker-neil-smith-builds-reputation-las-vegas-musicians Review Journal article: http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/las-vegas/guitar-builder-fixer-aims-keep-chords-ringing-true Neils website: http://vegasguitars.com