I live in the little town of Elko Nevada, and recently discovered that there is a local luthier by the name of Garry Branzell. A friend of mine bought one of his guitars recently, and it is a very nice guitar. I took one of my guitars to him today to have the action adjusted, and he let me play one of his Sitka/Indian rosewood dreadnoughts. It was the best guitar that I have ever played, which surprised me. I currently own a Collings D1 that is a fantastic guitar, and I sold my D2H about 3 months ago. That also was a wonderful instrument. However, the local luthier's guitar (most of his instruments sell for between 3000 to 3500) blew my two Collings guitars away. Boy was I shocked. I had a great time talking with him about guitars, and I plan to buy one when I can afford it in the future. This is in no way a criticism of Collings guitars, because they make great instruments.
Steve Larsen

Greg Sills

Long before I started building guitars I played music professionally and in 1982 I was introduced to Luthier Gary Branzell. He was making outstanding electric guitars at that time for many pros including Pat Travers, so I commissioned one myself. The Flying V Gary made for me is a prized part of my electric guitar collection to this day.
Well music careers come and go but my experience meeting Gary helped influence my desire to build instruments. After loosing touch for many years I looked Gary up and was pleased to see he was still in the craft and making beautiful acoustic guitars now. His level of craftsmanship is outstanding to say the least. I believe Gary’s passion for music, luthiery and the great outdoors give him an edge the rest of can just keep striving for.

Waylin Carpenter
916-606-8686

Last year Gary made a wonderful 000 size custom guitar for me. For 12 years I was in charge of the instrument collection at the Country Music Hall of Fame where I saw and played some of the finest historical and contemporary instruments not only in the museum’s collection but also many that passed through the local scene,” such as those at Gruhn’s guitars and those of other makers like Wayne Henderson. I can truthfully say this is the finest sounding guitar I have played and I am ecstatic to be privileged to own it. Gary is truly one of the most gifted luthiers of our time and I can’t recommend his instruments highly enough.

Charlie Seemann     
Executive Director
Western Folklife Center
Elko Nevada