Dick Boak is a renowned name in the world of guitars and music. He is a musician, luthier, and a former employee of C.F. Martin & Company, a famous American guitar manufacturer. His contributions to the craft and sound of guitars are celebrated by musicians and guitar enthusiasts worldwide.
Boak fell in love with music and the guitar when he was young. He started playing the guitar at the age of eleven and has been playing for over 50 years. He also worked as a guitar teacher in his early days. He discovered the art of guitar-making while he was studying at the University of Wisconsin. From there, he went on to complete six years of apprenticeship with American luthier Carl Thompson.
In 1976, Boak joined C.F. Martin & Company as a salesman. However, his passion for guitar-making led him to work in the company’s workshop. He became the director of the company’s artist relations department and played a significant role in building relationships with musicians and artists such as Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, and Johnny Cash. His work at Martin resulted in the creation of several iconic guitars that are still played and cherished by musicians today.
During his time at Martin, Boak played a crucial role in the design and production of the Martin D-100 guitar, which was displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. He also collaborated with artist Robert Goetzl to create unique inlaid designs, such as the D-45 Koa Tree of Life and the D-45 Peacock. These special designs elevated Martin’s guitars to a new level of beauty.
After 40 years of dedicated service, Boak retired from Martin in 2016. However, his passion for the craft has not diminished, and he continues to contribute to the guitar-making industry. He now has his own workshop and is working on various guitar designs and building his own line of guitars.
Boak’s contributions to the music industry go beyond just guitar-making. He has supported several charitable causes, including the restoration of the Woodstock Playhouse and assisting musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina. He is also an advocate for creating sustainable guitars and promoting environmentally conscious practices in guitar making.
Dick Boak is a passionate musician, guitar maker, and craftsman who has played a significant role in shaping the sound of guitars and music. His contributions to Martin and the music industry have been immeasurable. He continues to inspire and create, and his work will be a source of joy for generations of guitar lovers to come.
