Keith : Veteran Luthier Crafting Custom Guitars in Tennessee

SHOWCASE

9 Lounges Team

10/2/2025

In the heart of Tennessee, where the rhythms of blues, rock, and country intertwine, two craftsmen are redefining the soul of the modern guitar. Keith Tibbetts and Eli Dewitt, both proud veterans and graduates of the Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music in California, are combining their life experiences, precision, and artistry to create guitars that don’t just play — they tell a story.

Built To Inspire Greatness

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A Shared Vision Born at the Musicians Institute

Both artists are proud graduates of the Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music - one of Los Angeles’ most renowned music schools, famous for producing legendary guitarists and songwriters who’ve shaped the sound of modern music.

At the Institute, Keith and Eli specialized in guitar craftsmanship, mastering the delicate balance between sound engineering, wood selection, and aesthetic design. This foundation not only honed their technical expertise but also nurtured their creative identity — a rare blend of discipline and imagination that sets their instruments apart.

Today, Eli continues to pass on this legacy as an instructor at the Musicians Institute, mentoring the next generation of luthiers in the fine art of guitar construction and design. His teaching reflects the same dedication he brought to his military service — precise, patient, and deeply passionate.

From Military Service to Musical Mastery

Both Keith and Eli began their journeys in service to their country, each carving a path that blended courage, discipline, and a deep connection to music.

Keith Tibbetts, a Florida native who has called Tennessee home for over 23 years, serves in the National Guard, where he has been deployed to Kuwait and participated in NATO training exercises in Poland and Bulgaria. His years in uniform instilled a sense of focus and structure — traits that now echo through every fretboard, bridge, and contour of his handcrafted guitars.

Meanwhile, Eli Dewitt, originally from California, also served with distinction in the National Guard, contributing to critical wildfire response missions where he helped cut firebreaks to protect lives and land. His year-long deployment in Iraq further strengthened his resilience and purpose — qualities he now channels into the meticulous art of luthiery (guitar-making).

Turn Dreams Into Tracks

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The Tennessee Connection: Where Craft Meets Culture

Nestled within Tennessee’s vibrant music landscape — a region celebrated for legends like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King — Keith and Eli’s workshop stands as a tribute to craftsmanship and creativity.

Each guitar they create resonates with Tennessee’s musical heritage, infused with the spirit of Nashville’s iconic sound and the soulful authenticity that defines Southern artistry. Their instruments are not mass-produced; they are individually crafted masterpieces, built for musicians who value tone, touch, and storytelling.

Crafting Guitars That Sing Stories

What makes a Tibbetts or Dewitt guitar truly exceptional is the soul behind the wood. Their process isn’t just about precision — it’s about connection. From selecting the perfect tonewood to shaping the neck and fine-tuning the soundboard, every step carries intention and emotion.

For both luthiers, the guitar is a symbol of transformation — from the rigor of military life to the freedom of artistic expression. It’s this duality that gives their creations an unmistakable character: strong yet sensitive, disciplined yet deeply expressive.

Beyond the Strings: A Legacy in the Making

As they continue to shape the future of handcrafted instruments, Keith Tibbetts and Eli Dewitt embody the essence of modern artistry — where craft meets purpose, and sound becomes a story. Their journey reminds us that great music is born not only from skill but from life experience, resilience, and passion.

For musicians seeking an instrument that reflects not just performance but personal identity, the guitars crafted by these veterans are more than tools — they are testaments to dedication, art, and the human spirit.