Comments on: Remembering Legendary Luthier Frank Ford, 1944–2023

By: Rick Mixter

Rick Mixter — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 18:34:56 +0000

I first met Frank in 1974 when Gryhpon was located on El Camino Way. As I recall, he guided me in string selection. In the 1990s, Frank repaired my 1978 Guild 12-string after the end-pin suddenly failed and the guitar fell hard onto a cement floor covered only by a very thin rug. I felt a fool, even though the damage was accidental. Frank simply said, “This has happened to others. There is no reason to blame yourself.” And he made the guitar right again. I smile whenever I see his fine work restoring a section of the top and the binding at the lower bout. In 2012 that same instrument was subject to a violent assault by a person of my acquaintance. Once again, Frank made it right –actually better. He told me tragically amusing stories of other assaulted guitars he had repaired and once again he repaired my wounded sense of self, as well as my guitar. I mourn the passing of this great technician and a man of soul depth. Rest in peace, Frank.

By: Dick Stoner

Dick Stoner — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 19:28:12 +0000

I have never met Mr. Ford, but relied on him during phone conversations on a Santa Cruz 00 purchase. I live in rural Utah and have very limited access to high end guitars. He was patient and gracious with his time and expertise to advise me on what might suit my playing style and needs. I have loved the results of his advice and have always felt indebted to him. I am sorry to hear of his passing and am sending healing thoughts to his family and friends.

By: Steve Purcell

Steve Purcell — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 04:26:07 +0000

To my great regret, I never had the pleasure of meeting Frank Ford. However, I’ve been aware of and grateful for his genius for years, mostly by way of Dan Erlewine & StewMac.

Frank, you’re missed already. Rest in Peace

By: Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 21:26:32 +0000

I had the great pleasure of meeting Frank when I lived in Northern California. I had an antique banjo that needed repair so Frank did the evaluation and did the repair himself due to how fragile it was. He was interesting, funny and did a great job. Frank will be missed.

By: Bob Eandi

Bob Eandi — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 15:34:06 +0000

We lost another Hero……Rest in Peace brother

By: Michael Rentz

Michael Rentz — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 13:46:25 +0000

I discovered Frank Ford through Acoustic Guitar Magazine. Frank replaced a badly abused tuner button on my otherwise pristine 1921 Gibson A4 mandolin (search for “Repair Technique/Tuning Gear Repair/Vintage Celluloid Tuner Button Transplant” on Frets.com). Hundreds of hours spent poring over his repair articles gave me the confidence to turn my boss’s 1949 015 Martin into an octave mandolin, my first real lutherie project. Frank was an “influencer” before there were influencers, and the content he created is invaluable. Rest in peace, Frank, and thank you for your service.

By: Frank Criscenti

Frank Criscenti — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 17:47:26 +0000

Sorry to hear that this fine man is gone. I had spoken with him a time or two during my many visits to Gryphon and he was always interested and interesting. I love visiting the shop just to see all the wonderful and diverse instruments and accessories on sale, and seeing inside the workshop a few times made it all the better. So sorry Mr. Ford has passed. He will be missed.