About T.J. Burch

T.J. Burch is a Louisville, KY-based luthier with a passion for fine woodworking and handcrafted acoustic guitars. His journey began in Frankfort, KY, where he spent his childhood exploring the outdoors and dismantling objects to understand how they worked. His first introduction to carpentry came during his senior year of high school while helping build a set for the school play.

After graduating from the University of Louisville and serving in the Marine Corps, T.J. and his wife purchased a 1904 home and took on the challenge of renovating it themselves. That project ignited his passion for building and craftsmanship, eventually leading him to the art of lutherie.

T.J. learned the craft of guitar building under the mentorship of the late Ted Harlan, a master woodworker and luthier. He built his first guitar in Ted’s shop in 2012, followed by an advanced build soon after. Determined to refine his skills, he completed two additional guitars in his own workshop and returned to Ted for his approval. Ted’s response was more than validation—he invited T.J. to start teaching classes alongside him. Since then, T.J. has been dedicated to both building and teaching the art of handcrafted acoustic guitars, first under Ted’s guidance and now in his own shop. He remains deeply grateful for Ted’s influence, which instilled in him a lifelong love of fine woodworking and lutherie.

T.J. lives in Louisville, KY, with his wife, Andrea, and their German Shepherd, Nellie. He also has two adult daughters.

Crafting Guitars for Generations

T.J. exclusively builds acoustic guitars, believing that the wood itself should shape and create the instrument’s voice, rather than relying on electronics. His guitars are built to stand the test of time, designed to be played and cherished for generations.

"I do not have a particular desire to build a great many guitars—only to build great guitars." – T.J. Burch