John Munnerlyn’s background is in art and graphic design. For years he worked in the skateboard industry as an illustrator and art director. Before that, he was a display artist and mechanical draftsman.

Music also plays a major role in John’s life. He began playing guitar at age thirteen and has been in numerous bands ranging from rockabilly to country jazz to punk. John has written, recorded and released his own music, some of which has appeared on HBO.

In 2012 John built his first guitar for renowned roots guitarist Ashley Kingman of Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys.

After building Ashley’s guitar, John worked as a luthier at Santa Cruz Guitar Company for three years. His initial job was in the setup department, fitting and gluing up guitar necks and bridges. From there he graduated to the finish department. By the time John left SCGC, he was doing all the company’s color work.

During his time at SCGC, John worked on instruments for Eric Clapton, John Fogerty, Brad Paisley and many other noted artists.

John’s latest venture is building his own custom guitars and pickups from his workshop in Santa Cruz, California.