I have always been fascinated with how things work. I am still that way and am constantly inspired to learn. This was not any different when it came to building an instrument.
The first Garrison guitar I ever heard was an AG-600 12 string that a friend of mine had. I was fascinated by this guitar that was built in Newfoundland by Chris Griffiths. He had been a luthier as well and progressed his ideas into an amazing state-of-the art factory. Not only was the bracing system unique and resonant but it had the Buzz Feiten Intonation System on all of the G-series guitars. I also think it was the nicest neck carve I had ever felt in my hands.
My first Garrison was its flagship model. It was a G50CE. I played it a lot. I composed on it and wrote many songs on that guitar. I used it when I performed with my brother as a band. This is the guitar that would inspire me to sign up to go to luthier school at Timeless Instruments in Tugaske, SK. I would return to Tugaske a year later to complete the Buzz Feiten training as well and become a certified builder and retrofitted for stinger instruments.
I used to play the Garrison G50 exclusively for many years. Unfortunately, I ended up selling the G50 after finishing luthier school. I have owned a few Garrisons over the years. I also had a bear claw top G40CE. I still have a G41CE, a GD20 (at this point only the top brace was being used), and a rare GP50-HG.
Garrison was bought out by Gibson guitars. Soon after Garrison became no more. I still wish I had that G50.
