Builder Questionnaire: Quinn Guitars
Please introduce yourself.
Oliver Duval-Quinn, Quinn Guitars.
What do you make?
I mostly build electric guitars, but I also make basses, ukuleles and acoustic guitars.
Why do you make what you do?
I think musicians deserve to have good instruments to play with. In my opinion, it's important to have an instrument that is well built, comfortable (from an ergonomic point of view), reliable and well set up. I love how humbling and rewarding guitar making can be and I want to make guitars better in general.
What was the first piece of guitar gear that excited or inspired you?
I can't decide whether it was my white Schecter Tempest Custom or the 2012 run of Ormsby guitars. I remember seeing the fanned frets and it got me curious. From there I wanted to craft my own sound.
What’s your current favourite piece of guitar gear?
My Walrus Audio Effects Slö textured reverb pedal.
What have you been listening to lately?
Pressure Cracks, White Ward, Opeth, Between the Buried and Me, Rolo Tomassi and Revocation have been on heavy rotation, but that's only to name a few.
Do you play or release music, either on your own or as part of a band?
I am a live guitarist for the black metal band Hysterical Blindness.
I also have another project on the way, but it is still very new and does not even have a name yet.
Ideally, where do you see yourself/company/brand in 5 years?
I'd like to own property in 5 years, and start building my own shop there. I'll most likely still be a member of the Mile-End Guitar Coop, which is where I operate now. It is a great place to grow as a guitar maker and the sharing of information and techniques is something I value. It allows for the craft to evolve much faster.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I don't only make instruments, I also do a lot of setup and repair work. Another thing I like to do is custom wiring in guitars or custom pickguards.
I will be releasing a new model this summer and I am very excited about it.
Learn more about Quinn Guitars