Dick Boak, a renowned master luthier, devoted his life to creating compelling music instruments. He worked for over three decades at C.F. Martin & Company in Pennsylvania, where he made and designed some of the world’s most revered acoustic guitars, including Eric Clapton’s signature model.
Growing up, Dick Boak had an insatiable curiosity. He was fascinated by the way things worked. One of his first experiences with woodworking was building a set of speakers for his stereo. He knew early on that he wanted to build guitars for a living. He pursued his passion, learned from others, and created a name for himself as a master of guitar building.
In 1976, Boak began working for C.F. Martin & Company as an artist relations manager. He helped to design instruments, establish artist relationships, and worked in marketing. He was highly instrumental in creating one of the company’s most successful models of acoustic guitar, the Martin D-35.
Over the years, Boak’s creativity and expertise transformed Martin’s product line into some of the most treasured instruments in the industry. His ability to balance tradition and innovation resulted in outstanding creations that are highly sought after around the world.
Beyond his work at Martin, Boak was a pioneer in using alternative materials in guitar building while still producing a quality sound. He experimented with different woods and materials, such as Agathis, and was successful in producing unique sounds. He also created a prototype of a guitar made entirely out of paper, demonstrating his willingness to push the limits of traditional guitar making.
Another area where Dick Boak shone as a master of his craft was in his ability to balance aesthetics with sound quality. He was responsible for designing some of the most breathtakingly beautiful guitars ever produced. Such design work boosted the company’s profile and made it more attractive to a younger generation of players.
Boak’s passion for the guitar extended beyond just making instruments. He was also a historian of the craft and wrote an acclaimed book titled Martin Guitar Masterpieces: A Showcase of Artists’ Editions, Limited Editions, and Custom Guitars. This book highlights the company’s long-standing tradition of excellence and is a unique look at some of the most sought-after instruments of all time.
After 40 years with the company, Boak retired from Martin in 2018. Notably, his legacy has persisted as the company continues to create new designs and find new uses for materials that push the boundaries of guitar making.
Dick Boak was a master craftsman who made a lasting impact on the guitar-making industry. He was an innovator, designer, and historian who used his expertise to create some of the world’s most revered musical instruments. His contributions to Martin Guitar’s rich history and tradition, and to the guitar-making world, will be celebrated for many generations to come.
