The Historic Basking Ridge Oak Tree is not done living, not just yet.
Let The Wood do the talking.
I traveled back to the tree and my own home town, Basking Ridge NJ, to deliver the first oak guitar. Aptly named Alba, the instrument was commissioned for person who made the builds possible. Ally and I grew up together, she put me in contact with the supplier David and purchased the first Oak Guitar. My goal was to create a guitar for Ally that told the story itself. I did not run from the flaws in the oak, I featured them.
I plan to build more. When I delivered Alba I received more of the Oak, what I am told is the last of the tree. The next oak guitar is being lovingly crafted at this moment, and I found some spectacular figure to show off. You can follow that build in real time on my social media.
If you’d like to own one of these historic instruments please contact me, availability is extremely limited.
A Closer Look at Alba
In December of 2024, I received a phone call that would go on to shape a major part of my work in 2025. Through an unlikely chain of connections, I was offered the opportunity to build with what I was told are the last usable sections of the 619-year-old historic Basking Ridge Oak.
Having grown up in Basking Ridge, I passed this tree every day on my way to school. It was an unavoidable landmark—until it was taken down in 2017.
Alba was created to honor the tree, and the remarkable people who entrusted me with this extraordinary material. The goal was to capture the spirit of the oak and its story through careful selection, restraint, and thoughtful design.
The result is one of the most meaningful and significant instruments in my body of work.
In 2026, I am already building the next oak guitar, with more to follow. Supplies are extremely limited, and I expect the remaining material to yield a collection of approximately ten instruments. If this tree holds personal significance for you, and you are interested in having a guitar made from it, I invite you to reach out.
theres more.
David A Schneck wrote a book on the oak. Titled The Soul of a Tree. He lays out all the details and connects the history of the 619 year old tree.
Here’s a link to the book on amazon
Follow the builds on social media
Im actively documenting my builds on Instagram, Facebook and Youtube. Im hoping to eventually make long format videos as-well. Your support on these platforms is massively appreciated. A follow, a like and a comment all truly make a difference.
I hope to see you there!