John Blanchard is a native Oregonian who has established his shop in Bend, which is located on the Central Oregon High Desert at the edge of the Cascade Mountains.  Not only is the Central Oregon area famous for its beautiful scenery and recreation opportunities, but also, its stable climate is highly suitable for building fine wood instruments.

In addition to his interests in lutherie, John has had a life-long passion for the outdoors and the grandeur of the Pacific Northwest.  For example, he has been a professional ski instructor, a white water guide, a fly fishing outfitter and a research physiologist for the Alaskan reindeer herds.  His work with the Alaskan Native people exposed him to artisans that merged the elegance and beauty of nature into their paintings, sculpture and other artforms.  John uses this influence to realize in each instrument the best blend of the tonal characteristics and natural beauty of wood.

John was mentored by master luthiers, Orville & Robert Millburn, concentrating on the classical Hauser designs and trained in traditional French polish techniques.  John custom builds each guitar to meet the desires of the client.  He wants to work with the musician in the selection of wood for their instrument that will not only be visually appealing, but will also have exceptional tone, balance and projection.