Gene Hansen - A Luthier Extraordinaire

On our recent trip to Traverse City, we had the absolute pleasure of meeting Gene “Geno” Hansen, a luthier extraordinaire! What’s a luthier? He is an artist skilled in building and repairing stringed instruments. Join us for an incredible behind the scenes look at Geno’s workshop at the Traverse City Guitar Company.

I’d Like A New Guitar

As we drove north, Chuck mentioned that he’d like a new guitar. After all, we’d be staying in the Leelanau peninsula for three days and Chuck had forgotten to bring along his acoustic assistant to songs. Using my phone, I began researching northern Michigan guitar stores. Traverse City Guitar Company caught my eye.

*The store is located at 3333 Cass Street, Traverse City, Michigan 49684*.
*Photo Credit: Traverse City Guitar Company Facebook Page*

“They can create your dream guitar!” I raised my brow, reading their posts on Facebook. “They have a huge selection, do repairs, offer lessons and have some instruments on consignment.” I recited from their website.

We added the address to our GPS. Our next stop would be the Traverse City Guitar Company.

Traverse City Guitar Company

We pulled into the parking lot. There was a long building of businesses, each standing in line waiting for customers. All were dressed in a tan-sided facade. We read the labels above the doors, “Traverse City Guitar Company.” “This must be it.” Chuck swung the door open.

Every kind of guitar hung on the wall. It felt like a “Willy Wonka World of Guitars!” A clerk popped his head into the room. “Try any guitar or uke. Let us know if you have any questions.” Chuck set to stumming and I headed to a ukulele display.

This free form fiddling suited our style. Being encouraged to ‘test drive’ the instrument offerings was just like tasting all the free samples in a candy store. Chuck chose a mellow, moody guitar. I was instantly drawn to a sparkling, ruby ukulele. We strummed a few chords, pleased with the tones.

When we brought our selections to the counter, Chuck asked about the Ainesis brand guitars. “They’re made right here in Traverse City.” The friendly clerk motioned to a gentleman in a blue shirt. “That’s Gene. He makes the guitars by hand in his shop.”

Meeting Gene Hansen

We introduced ourselves and shook hands. “Ainesis,” these specialized guitars, is a Greek word meaning ‘praise offering.’

“Would you like to see my shop?” Gene punctuated his excitement with his brow. Chuck responded, “Aren’t you about to close? We don’t want to be a bother.”

“Come on.” Gene swooped his hand through the air, “It’s not a bother.” With a hop in his step, Gene led us along the individual practice rooms and out the back door. Gene and Chuck’s conversation moved effortlessly. Chuck, who holds an array of eclectic understanding, can easily review a vast range of subjects. “What wood works the best?” Chuck inquired.

“The best are locally harvested and reclaimed wood from Michigan.” Gene explained, “Maple, Wild Cherry, Ash and Walnut.” The two discussed elements of each wood as they strolled across the back lot.

The Workshop

This woodworking shop was impressive! Meticulous machines, each secured to a sawdust vacuum, lined the walls. The duo discussed the ways of workshops. Wise words were shared about the organization of needed tools and cleaning systems. This reminded me of playground conversations shared among my students discussing their latest Lego sets. Yet Gene’s descriptions were wrapped with a knowledge only known to a professional sculptor.

Gene brought out a form used for bending wooden panels into the body of a guitar. Gene’s artful descriptions painted a picture of each step in the process.

Each step in forming these *rich-toned,* artistic sculptures *is intricate* *and time consuming*.

The Beginning Of The Traverse City Guitar Company

Following his service in the United States Air Force, Gene returned to his passion projects in 2009, building guitars. After four years of grit and guts, the Traverse City Guitar Company opened. Just a year later, they needed to expand to accomodate the growing number of customers.

Traverse City Guitar Company Today

Since 2013 The Traverse City Guitar Company has built not only guitars, but a reputation for repairing classic instruments such as Fenders, Taylors and Ibanez.

The reliable, helpful staff not only sells instruments and accoutrements, they accept trade-ins and consignment pieces, offer repairs and even have talented instructors who offer lessons.

Gene Hansen is a luthier extraordinaire! His craftsmanship and dedication is awe inspiring. If you’re ever in Traverse City, I encourage you to stop by the Traverse City Guitar Company! Stay curious and make memories!