If you've looked for a truly one-of-a-kind miniature guitar, you already know the problem: most of what's on the market is cast, molded, or churned out of a factory. "Limited edition" usually means a run of a thousand. That's not what you're after.
Rob Gwynne understands, because he's spent his life avoiding shortcuts. Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, he served his apprenticeship as a goldsmith and jeweler, crossed the Pacific in 1979, and owned and operated Jewelers Designs in San Ramon, California for twenty-two years. Along the way he earned a national model-making award for the precision of his work.
When he sold the shop, he turned his tools to the smallest, most obsessive pieces he'd ever wanted to build: quarter-scale miniature guitars, exactly 8.75 inches long, fabricated to the same standard as fine jewelry. Strings drawn from 0.38mm wire. Bridges and saddles cut from sterling. Tuning posts turned from solid silver. Fret markers set as cubic zirconia, occasionally with semi-precious gems or real diamonds on request.
During a phone call, Fender CEO Edward Cole recognized Rob's work as extremely unique and verbally approved Rob to use the Fender name and logo on his miniature guitar designs. Legal documentation is in progress.
He's been featured on Fox 29 San Antonio, in state and national magazines, and at collector conventions across the United States. Today he builds every commission by hand from his workshop in Texas, for the collectors who want a piece that no one else, anywhere, will ever own.