Bio/Background
Dave Doucet became interested in instrument making in the 1970s, and got his official start at the Arthur E. Smith Banjo Company, then in Greenfield, Massachusetts, in 1978.  This experience provided a grounding in both general woodworking and the specific skills needed in instrument construction.  He subsequently apprenticed with William Cumpiano, author of Guitar Making: Tradition and Technology (referred to by C.F.Martin IV as the "bible of the craft").  Over the three years with Cumpiano, he became more proficient with the repair and restoration of fretted instruments. He also managed the repair shop while the book was in progress.

He left to take a position at internationally-known Matt Umanov Guitars in New York City.  As head of repairs there he did work for numerous well known artists such as John Hammond, The Roches, Elliot Easton, David Bromberg, Louden Wainwright III, Dave Van Ronk, Ronnie Earl, David Byrne, and many others, as well as studio musicians, serious amateurs, and total newcomers.

In 2001, he opened his own shop in Brooklyn, NY, where he did a great deal of work for Retrofret.com, purveyors of fine vintage instruments.  Equally at home with a vintage Tele, pre-war Martin, or old Paramount banjo, his wide range of experience was put to use on a broad array of instruments.

Now located in Bellingham, Washington, he's ready to help with any of your fretted instrument needs!