David Vincent

David Vincent

David Vincent has worked full time in string instrument repair, and building guitars and mandolins, since 1978. He worked for E.M Short’s Guitars and the Wichita Violin Shop from 1978 to 1984. He moved to Red Wing, Minnesota in 1984 to become an instructor in guitar and mandolin building at the acclaimed stringed instrument repair and construction program at Minnesota State College Southeast Technical. During this time he has continued to build a limited number of fine acoustic instruments from his home workshop, which have become prized among discerning guitar and mandolin players.

For the past two years, David's guitars have been offerered as grand prizes at the Minnesota Flatpicking Guitar Championships. Clint Birtzer (2009 winner) and Roy Curry (2010) are now playing Slope D guitars built by David Vincent. Check out the photo galleries for albums featuring both guitars, and see our YouTube videos of Roy and Clint playing their new Vincents.

In David's own words:

"My two greatest influences as a builder and repair person have been the many fine, vintage instruments I’ve gotten to work on, and my students, whose imagination, fresh approach, and on occasion, mistakes, have taught me many great lessons."

"My personal philosophy towards my work is perhaps best summarized by a quote from the comedian George Burns, 'Good, better, best, Never let it rest, Get your good better, and your better best.' "