Luthier Wayne O'Connor

H2H Inception

The year was 1995, on returning to Bridgenorth, Ontario and having just left Hamiltons' The Guitrar Clinic/ F Bass Manufacturing, where I helped build, many would say, some of the best Custom, hand built Musical instruments in the World, I continued to refine my designs, fabricate Jigs and began building the first Cranium Divine Prototypes based on the TremOmatic Chambered Carve top Electric Model. I'd Blueprinted while working at FBass. Followed by the ABE - 4 Bass Protype and the beginnings of the TriSonic Acoustic Parlour 12 fret Model. All the while continuing to Modify and Restore Local and Toronto-Portcredit-Mississauga owned instruments from the basement of my family home.

I often worked for Proprietor Don Skuce of Eds' Music (Peterborough, On.) where mutual friend John Crown made the introduction to Mr. Royden Moran. Royden, being a successful Architect for many years had recently returned from a course at The Bryan Gallop School of Luthery in Big Rapids Michigan. Wanting to start designing and building his own line of Musical Instruments, we decided to join forces and start a small Manufacturing Company in Peterborough, Ontario.

We found a small 1000' sq. foot upperfloor shop kiddy corner to the century old GE (Gereneral Electric) factory and built what ever was required to start things rolling. Benches, Clamps, Jigs, shelves, guitar hangars and mezzanines. We'd both been collecting machinery and some how, each had what the other was missng. He a table saw, me a band saw and drill presses. Him a spindle sander, bar clamps, me a bunch of Routers, bits, guitar body /finger board and headstock templates, a small stash of Exotic Woods, etc. 

Having grown up surrounded by Musician Friends in Portcredit, On. and having befriended many of the Award Winning Peterborough Alumni Musicians while attending Techical Engineering Classes from Sir Sanford Flemming College, the Shop began to get busy! We became invited Members of an organization based out of the U.S.A. called A.S.i.A. (American Stringed Istrument Artisons) via Bryan and Susan Gallop of The Gallop School of Luthery. This introduced us to the World of Legendary International Micro Luthiers and various supportive Parts/ Tool and Lacquer supply Manufacturing Companies. This helped establish the foundation of our Manufacturing, Restoration work for the next 28yrs. To be continued...

Where I Got Started

Wayne "The Handsome Liar" O'Connor began playing guitar religiously at ten years of age, built his first guitar by thirteen. With the help and encouragement from his beloved Parents Madeline and Bill, Tutoridge by his Record Collecting, Harmonica Player/Singer/Performer Older "Guru Hippy" Brother, James "The Animal" O'Connor, his Musical education Flourished!

For the next 46 odd years, through various career adventures and interests, from building/modifying Drag Racing Engines to Restoring Vintage Muscle Cars and Frabicating Custom Rigid Framed Harley Davidson Motorcycles, to working as a Graphic Artist, Cabinetmaker of Early American Furniture, and apprentice Luthier gig at FBass, he continued to practice, jam, tour and record with as many Talented Musicians as possible. Studied Technical Engineering/Computer Design at College and learned/taught ASL Sign Language while doing a five year stint at a Sheltered Work Shop for the Handicap...