About J. Anthony

For many years J. Anthony has enjoyed studying the guitar and playing music. Though his Grandfather Patrick Henry Coleman was his initial introduction to music, it was not until he met Adrian Lopes, that J. Anthony became interested in the guitar. Adrian was a teacher at Our Lady of Mercy School, and in sixth grade, she taught him to play. It was over many years of playing the guitar, that J. Anthony eventually took the step to pursue the art of lutherie.

Today J. Anthony enjoys making guitars in many different styles, from the Spanish influenced classical, to some of the more contemporary steel string models. Along with various modern tools, he also employs many of the traditional methods using the same types of hand tools that were available in 19th century Spain. Draw knifes, spoke shaves, cabinet scrapers and rasps are but a few of the tools used on every guitar. Most of the methods and tools he uses today have not materially changed in the last 200 years. J. Anthony makes guitars for the love of the art, and only makes them for friends, family and charitable causes. When asked what his goal is, J. Anthony would like his guitars to command a price upwards of $10,000 with each charitable event. The thought that he is creating a beautiful and rare instrument that will bring joy to someone for generations is enough for J. Anthony. He believes that the best way to support the arts is to support the artists.

Over the last several years, J. Anthony has had the opportunity to study with some exceptional guitar makers of our time. Although he has only spent a couple of weeks with them each time, these luthiers have been very generous and open with their knowledge and have played a key role in the success he has achieved in the craft. Fabio Raggianti was his first instructor. It was Fabio who introduced J. Anthony to beginning guitar building, and specifically the classic guitar. Other luthiers who have been generous enough to share their time are Charles Fox, Ervin Somogyi, Harry Fleishman, and Dale Unger.

In 1991 J. Anthony married Sabra Howard, and had four kids, Samantha, Sabrina, Alexandra and Victoria. All of them have helped out in the shop and whether it is sanding sides or forming the headstock, he counts them all as his Junior Apprentices.

Our overall objective is to raise money for charity. 100% of all proceeds collected goes directly to charity as J. Anthony underwrites the expenses himself.

If you have a project, fundraiser or a charity that could benefit from our work, please reach out to us. You can stay up to date and involved by looking at our “Current Charitable Projects” and please purchase a ticket toward our next charitable event.