Maxwell Sipe brings over two decades of experience as both a performing musician and skilled luthier to his Portland workshop. After studying classical guitar at the University of Portland, Sipe built his first instrument in 2005, which sparked a passion that evolved into a full-time career. He honed his craft during six years working in Kerry Char’s repair shop, where he developed deep expertise in guitar repair and restoration while working on countless instruments spanning different eras and styles.

This extensive repair background proved invaluable‚examining how various guitar designs held up over time taught him what works and what fails. Today, Sipe specializes in building custom concert-quality classical guitars while maintaining his repair practice. His hands-on approach to instrument repair covers everything from vintage guitar work to detailed fretwork and setups. As a guitar tech who understands the needs of discerning players, Sipe approaches each repair with the same meticulous attention he brings to his boutique builds. His combination of musical training, repair experience, and lutherie skills makes him a trusted resource for Portland-area guitarists seeking expert instrument care.