Dan began his instrument making career in 1989 with Flatiron Mandolin and Banjo Company (at that time a division of Gibson Guitar). His first responsibility was building Gibson banjo pots and resonators. With the transition to the new guitar plant, Dan’s talent and experience placed him as head of the shaper department where he was responsible for most aspects of both guitar and banjo necks. Soon after he was made neck department supervisor and then production manager of the rear plant (parts fabrication and assembly through white-wood instruments).

In 1990 Dan accepted a position as production manager with the Santa Cruz Guitar Company. Dan worked with SCGC for about 18 years total. During his first 6 years at SCGC, Dan’s responsibilities included production management and building the SCGC archtop guitars, as well as bench luthier jobs as needed. At the end of 1995 Dan moved back to Montana and continued working for SCGC managing and performing all repairs for the company as well as building SCGC archtops. Assignments continued to expand while in Montana and included design and development of new instruments, manufacturing methodology, and tooling.

Dan left SCGC in 2008 to start his own company ‘Daniel Roberts Stringworks’, performing repair and restoration, specializing in prewar Martin and Gibson instruments. Additionally, Dan has used his in depth lutherie experience to design and build a diverse and impressive array of acoustic instruments including: modern extended range instruments; a new guitar body flattop octave mandolin (receiving rave reviews); historical replicas of Larson brothers Euphonon and Gibson/Martin inspired guitars. All of this ‘new’ construction takes place in the midst of his demanding vintage restorations, and high end repair.

Dan is accomplished in so many areas, it was only a matter of time before longtime friend Steve Carlson was able to get him involved in the relaunch of Zeta Violins.

but SPRAYING?

  and BUFFING?

“Well no . . . the quality of the finish aspect is about coloring and treating the body wood and neck playing area a certain way. Dan understands that and was eager to be involved. Spraying and buffing are just tasks associated with getting the job done. Dan sees the big picture and wanted to be involved in what we’re doing at Zeta. He loves projects like I do, and with his knowledge and thirst for even more, his contributions have far exceeded our expectations. And we just got started. Wow!”
Steve Carlson

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