About

Dan Holtz, Luthier

I picked up my first guitar over 35 years ago, inspired to learn the opening riff to Sweet Child o' Mine by Guns & Roses. I've been playing and tinkering with guitars ever since. My biggest regret is selling (many years ago) my first guitar, an American Fender Tele from the 80s. It was brand new, and would be vintage now. ☹️

Over the decades, I've owned and played a wide variety of guitars at home and on stage. Taylor, Epiphone, Gibson, Fender, Ovation, G&L, Framus, Hofner, Takamine, Washburn... probably more. I've become well-attuned to the subtle differences that can make a guitar (or bass) feel & sound amazing. As a result, I am utterly relentless about finding the sweet spot for every instrument that lands on my workbench.

My current playing collection includes:

• Gretsch Jet Electromatic 

• Epiphone Dot

• Hofner Semi-Hollow "Violin Bass"

• Framus Texan Acoustic (1960's)

• Takamine 12-String (1970s, lawsuit era)

My personal "project" guitars:

• Harmony Montclair Archtop (1959)

• Washburn Classical

• Ibanez 12 String

My workshop is located in my home (in the basement)  right across from Airport Park in Colchester, Vermont. Just a 15 minute drive from downtown Burlington, and right along the Bike Path that runs along Lake Champlain.

When you bring your instrument to Lakeside Guitar, you and I will discuss your guitar's issues and your goals. I'll make a preliminary inspection and give you an estimate of time and cost. You can expect clear communication throughout the process.

Every guitar that comes through my shop gets treated like it's my own—because for a short time, it is. Generally, I know I'm done when I don't want to put it down. But, your satisfaction is always my guarantee.

In addition to Lakeside Guitar, I substitute teach at Colchester High School, head a music booster program for Colchester schools, and develop digtial downloads for Dungeons & Dragons enthusiasts that I sell on Etsy.

I am happily married with four kids ranging 12 to 32, and enslaved to our spoiled cat, "Queen Beatrice of Buckingham" or Queen Bea for short.