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"Scott van Linge first shared his experience and theories about brace shaving with me back in l995... Since that time I've had an opportunity to play and listen to (both before and after) numerous guitars by various makers such as Taylor, Martin, Gibson, Larrivee, Thompson, and Collings that he has reworked to improve sound and playability. I have also built two guitars in collaboration with him that were braced according to his 'parabolic bracing' theories. As both a player and a builder I've been very impressed with the results of Scott's work and ideas."
Don Musser, luthier, Silver City, New Mexico
"Dear Scott,
I am writing you regarding the work you did on my 1976 Martin D-28. When we observed the Thanksgiving Holiday this year, I literally listed my guitar and its modifications as something for which I was profoundly thankful this year!...I was pleased with our initial phone conversation and the patient, interested, detail-oriented way that you discussed the procedure. The very mechanics of packaging up my favorite acoustic and shipping it across country were new and somewhat intimidating to me. As I explained to you,...I am very far from the level of guitar owner/collector/musician you may often deal with....the money was an issue for me; and the modification of a factory stock D-28 in otherwise decent condition was a serious step. In my life, there are all too few examples of work that generates excitement and interest, and leave the lingering notion of money well-spent! I remember specifiying that I was particularly interested in response, resonance, and sustain. The brace work and bridge work seems to have addressed these properties. The improved response means it is easier to play and that a light touch produces a suprisingly sweet tone. The guitar vibrates much more noticebly and the sustain is remarkable. Scott, your workmanship is obviously neat and careful. There seems to be virturaly no tool marks or areas where the surfaces, finished or unfinished, give a clue to what has been done..."
Brian H., Laurel, Maryland
Brian H's D-28
"I've been in the music business over 40 years. This is the best money I ever spent on acoustic guitars."
Dave H., Warwick, Rhode Island
"Now that looks like something a luthier would make!!"
Robert C., Hope, Arkansas, referring to the newly re-shaped bridge on his '72 D-18L Martin.
"Scott, Thanks a lot for working on my Larrivee. You brought out the good stuff hidden within it! It sounds so much (double underlined) better and is now fun and inspiring to play..."
Timothy H., Plymouth, Wisconsin
"Hello Scott, Thanks again for the miracle on the Guild [a '70s D-35]. You've made an 'old friend' very special. Richard is sending you my younger friend, an early '90's Goodall... I'm a believer."
Luke C. Las Vegas, Nevada
"Scott, I can't thank you enough for the incredible work you performed on my guitar [Gibson Heritage]. Your craftsmanship and attention to detail go above and beyond the norm. I am very proud of my guitar and the tone and playability far exceed what I expected."
John T., Soldotna, Alaska
"Scott, Enclosed you'll find $80.00 for the fretwork [in addition to the brace work] you did on my Collings SJ. I took it out of the case this morning just to make sure I wasn't dreaming, and ooooh boy, it was music to my ears! I'm really going to have some fun now..."
Dale A., Riverside, California
"Dear Scott, I just wanted to let you know that I am very impressed with the work you did on my D-28!... I've tried to think of words to describe the sound. I thought it was a good sounding guitar to begin with and now it's great sounding. No more of the dead sounding thud it used to have. The bass is rich and powerful, the mid range loud and the treble is ringing and powerful, even playing up the neck... I go to Elderly Instruments... and I play every kind of guitar: Santa Cruz--Tony Rice, Taylor--Dan Crary model, Bourgeois--Ricky Scaggs model, Martin D-41 and D-45. I wouldn't trade my guitar for any of them. Anyway, I'd like to thank you again, Scott, for bringing my D-28 to life in a way I never expected."
Jim D. Lansing, Michigan