Builder Questionnaire: Belvedere Instrument Co.

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Brett Hawes, I run Belvedere Instrument Co. Out of the Mile End Guitar Co-op in Montreal.

What do you make?

I make electric guitars and guitar pickups, eventually looking to make some basses aswell.

Why do you make what you do?

I make electric guitars because I've been a guitar nerd since receiving a bass for Christmas in grade 6 (12 years old)
Since that Christmas I've spent countless hours of my life just living and breathing electric guitars, and years later when I chose a path, this was the only career that my passion would allow me to do.

I had to be quite resourceful to make it to the spot that I have, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.

What was the first piece of guitar gear that excited or inspired you?

Definitely Jack White's paper topped Kay archtop. Seeing him play electric death letter blues blew me away when I was 13.
I later learned that part of his sound that i love comes from his digitech whammy, which one day I will have. ;)

What’s your current favourite piece of guitar gear?

I own a 1959 National town and country (3 pickups) and it's a crazy old thing.
It's really what inspired a lot of things on my newest electric guitar model, "The Viper".

What have you been listening to lately?

Usually alt rock or stuff like duster but recently I've rediscovered frank ocean !!! I listen to a large variety of music.

Ideally, where do you see yourself/company/brand in 5 years?

I see Belvedere Instrument Co producing around 24 guitars a year, with a decent presence within the Custom guitar industry.

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