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Founder of The Luthier Bench

Chayton Alo

The Man Behind The Bench

The Luthier Bench was founded by Chayton Alo, who combines a lifetime of guitar teaching and performing, with decades of entrepreneurial experience in launching and building start-ups.  The Luthier Bench's advanced multi-vendor, e-commerce platform has 100% been hand-crafted by Chayton Alo during early 2024.

Mr. Alo is training to become an acoustic guitar luthier and will be attending Roberto-Venn School of Lutherie in January 2025.  His long-term vision is to launch a line of guitars called "Ancient Guitars" that are constructed of tonewood from recovered trees that are up to 50,000 years old.
  • FOUNDER CHAYTON ALO

Chayton Alo Timeline

Founder's Statement

Our mission is about Luthiers, Builds and Knowledge.  Our focus is on the Luthier - what they build and the vast array of knowledge required for even the most basic guitar construction.  Our vision for The Luthier Bench is to elevate the luthier community and provide both a marketplace of guitars and ideas that guitar buyers and collectors will be drawn to.  We hand-crafted a home for the independent luthier to showcase both their guitars builds as well as their building knowledge base.  We would like the luthier to focus on honing the craft and allow us the honor and privilege of marketing their creations.  A luthier-built guitar is the intersection of art, science, aesthetics and most of all, musical creation.  We humbly invite luthiers from around the world to join The Luthier Bench community.  Let's build together!

Chayton Alo, founder of The Luthier Bench
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Chayton Alo Quick Q&A

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What is Your Life Story in 50 words?

Born NYC in 1960. Graduated NYU Business in 1983. Finished 1985 NYC Marathon. Investment banker in 1990s. Retired in 30s. Became embedded war reporter in Middle East during 2000-2011. Founded Taos Guitar School in 2022. Founded The Luthier Bench 2024. Attending Roberto-Venn School of Lutherie in January 2025.  My vibes: acoustic guitars, dogs, ancient literature, jeeps & trekking at elevation.

Why Do You Want To Build Guitars?

After playing guitar for over 25 years and teaching and performing for 5 more - I wanted a deeper connection to the instrument itself.  The desire to build was a natural outcome of that need.  I am deeply passionate about becoming a luthier and intend to construct guitars made from recovered 'ancient wood" that is over 50,000 years old.

What Did You Learn Nearly Dying in Middle East?

After retiring early in my 30s from a Wall Street career, I then opted to become an embedded war reporter in the Middle East.  In southern Israel in 2005, I was nearly hit by a rocket attack that landed 20 yards from my location.  I learned how fragile our lives are and learned to never settle.

What Are Your Favorites Things About Life?

The older you get - the easier this question is.  Well, first I am passionate about dogs and founded a canine kindness organization called Humanity For Dogs.  I am also a long-term fan of Jeep Wranglers currently on my 5th model.  Hiking in nature at elevation is a real passion.  And, needless to say, the beauty, art and sound of a hand-built guitar.

Contact Chayton Alo

Feel free to reach out to Chayton Alo directly either by phone, text or fill out the Message Form.  Chayton Alo is available for business inquiries or for media interviews.

Taos, NM

HQ: 205A Hatchery Road, Taos NM 87571

Phone

+1.828.808.7000

Open Hours

open for media inquiries 24/7

Email

build@luthierbench.com

Message Chayton Alo