Luthier Build: Mic Dunsmore

Jul. 16

Mic Dunsmore, a retiree who's always been into playing guitars and woodworking, dove headfirst into building instruments after hanging up his work boots six years ago. What started as a hobby tweaking and selling guitars quickly turned into a passion for building.

About four years ago, Mic decided to take a crack at making acoustic guitars. Since then, he's pumped out quite a few—OMs, jumbos, resonators, dreads, and even a parlor. Each one is unique and his craftsmanship improves with learning.

His latest masterpiece, Scarlette Dragon, has been in the works since January '23. The "Scarlette" part comes from the stunning Rosewood all over—back, sides, fingerboard, bridge, headstock veneers, and a wild custom red perflin on top that he cooked up as a first-time experiment.

Now, "Dragon" is all about that Engelmann Spruce top with unique figuring that we coined "Dragon Claw". Originally, Mic planned a different cutaway shape but ended up going with a pointy Florentine style after busting up the first attempt.

Scarlette Dragon boasts an arm rest on the top, a neat side port, and some inlays on the headstock. He has used Cypress for the braces before, but also tried it for the neck as well and found it wonderful to carve. The neck is carbon fiber reinforced for stiffness and longevity.

Scarlette Dragon is finished in a a classic French polish on the body and a tough hardwax on the neck, blending tradition with durability. After plenty of tweaking on the nut and saddle, he swears the guitar sounds better than any he's made before.

For Mic, each guitar tells a story of challenges, triumphs, and a whole lot of love for the craft. Scarlette Dragon isn't just a guitar; it's a testament to Mic Dunsmore's passion, innovation, and journey as a luthier.