About Us
gene imbody | erick coleman
gene imbody
I built my first electric guitar at the age of 17, and I’ve been at it ever since. While attending Ohio University in the early 90’s, I got my start as a phone representative for Stewart MacDonald. While there, I learned as much as I could about lutherie until I was able to get a job in a professional repair shop.
In 1995 I was hired at Woodsong’s Lutherie in Boulder, Colorado. There I learned an effective approach to repair work, and the ins and outs of running a busy shop from renowned luthier and teacher, Jon Eaton. Over 5 years, I honed my skills on a variety of instruments and gained intimate knowledge of many vintage guitars.
I returned to Ohio to work with Dan Erlewine and the Stewart MacDonald Tech Department in 2000. Working with Dan offered a unique opportunity and a chance to work on some of the world’s finest guitars. I was also fortunate enough to represent Stewart Macdonald at places like the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery and the Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans. Eventually I transitioned to the production team where I learned about manufacturing and machine operation. Around that time I also converted the basement of my home into a shop and operated under the name Imbody’s Custom Guitars.
In 2006 I bought the former Odd Fellows Lodge outside of Athens, Ohio and started United Lutherie with Erick Coleman. These days I’m in the shop full time focusing my efforts on teaching and restorations, while working steadily toward creating guitars that duplicate the tone and vibe of great guitars from the 50’s and 60’s.
erick coleman
I have been tinkering with stringed instruments ever since receiving my first guitar for X-mas in 1982.
In the early 90's I gained my first experience working for David Baas At Roadworthy Guitar & Amp. By 1995 I had established my own customer base in Northern Indiana.
In 2002 I began working with Dan Erlewine and was hired by Stewart MacDonald soon after.
At Stewmac I head up the technical department, am a member of the R&D team and write the Trade Secrets newsletters along with Dan.
I have conducted specialized workshops for the Guild of American Luthiers conventions, Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans events and Purdue University.
I have also written articles for Guitar Player, Acoustic Guitar, Vintage Guitar, and Tonequest magazines.
Like Gene, I strive to provide stringed instrument repairs of the highest quality, accurate vintage restorations, and top end custom work.
As a musician I have toured the world playing the guitar and fully understand the needs of a working musician. I work with each customer individually to determine what best suits their playing style as well as their budget.