Jeff Traugott

Like many guitar enthusiasts, I picked up the instrument as a teenager and haven't been able to put it down since.

While pursuing my Bachelor of Arts degree I made a dulcimer and then my first real instrument an F-5 Mandolin. From there I opened a small shop in a garage and began building my first guitar.

Soon after I started a small music store selling used instruments and doing stringed instrument repair. During that time I also built about 6 guitars a year.

My next move was working for Santa Cruz Guitar Company, where I honed my skills in all aspects of guitar production and repair.

I left SCGC in the summer of 1991 to open my current shop, Jeff Traugott Guitars.

My shop is located in an old industrial building in Santa Cruz, California, which houses a diverse community of artisans and craftspeople.

I focus on tone, playability, and the highest quality craftsmanship.

I build all the guitars myself allowing me to maintain a very personal relationship with my customers.

To this day I haven't lost any of my excitement or enthusiasm for guitar building, if anything, it's grown more out of control!

I've been motivated from the very beginning to be one of the best at my craft.