The Art of Craftsmanship: How Waterstone Guitar Co. Masters the Intricate Details of Instrument Making

In the realm of musical instrument manufacturing, there exists a rare breed of companies that view craftsmanship not merely as production but as an art form. Waterstone Guitar Co. is one of these few. Founded in 2002 by neurosurgeon and guitar enthusiast Dr. Robert J. Singer, Waterstone has earned a quiet reverence among musicians for its unwavering attention to detail and artistic design ethos. Every guitar and bass produced under its name reflects a meticulous crafting process that honors both tradition and innovation.
At its core, Waterstone is driven by a philosophy that music is as much about aesthetics and feeling as it is about sound. It’s this belief that fuels their intricate approach to design and construction, an approach that places Waterstone instruments in a class of their own.
Dr. Singer’s background in neurovascular surgery provides a unique perspective on precision, balance, and fine motor control, which are all essential traits in both surgery and lutherie. This influence is apparent in the symmetry, ergonomic flow, and structural integrity of Waterstone guitars. Designing his first models at his kitchen table, Singer treated the process like a blend of engineering and sculpture, often drawing from his experience with medical instruments and his love for modern art.
Each Waterstone model starts with a conceptual blueprint that balances form and function. The company’s designs are known for blending vintage aesthetics inspired by brands like Rickenbacker, Gibson, and Hofner with modern playability. This includes slim neck profiles, high-output electronics, and alternative configurations such as 12-string basses and short-scale guitars.
Waterstone’s attention to detail begins with selecting the right woods and materials, chosen not only for durability but for how they resonate. Tonewoods such as mahogany, maple, and alder are carefully sourced and matched for their grain patterns, weight, and tonal response.
Instruments from the “rjs” series, handcrafted at Singer’s Whalebone Studios in Southampton, NY, showcase this dedication to premium materials. These limited-edition guitars often feature rare woods, hand-wound pickups, and custom finishes, representing the apex of Waterstone’s craftsmanship.
Even their standard production models designed in the U.S. and manufactured primarily in Indonesia are subjected to strict quality control protocols. The production team adheres to Singer’s original design ethos, ensuring that each instrument meets the founder’s high standards.
Waterstone doesn’t settle for off-the-shelf components. It crafts its own SpinArt Pickups, which are hand-wound to deliver unique tonal characteristics. Whether it’s the punchy low end of a 5-string bass or the chiming clarity of a 12-string electric, these pickups are tuned to enhance the personality of each instrument.
Their Elysian Effects Pedals, another in-house innovation, further reflect Waterstone’s commitment to controlling the entire sonic chain from strings to signal. Each component is tested and calibrated to ensure clean, responsive, and musically rich output.
One of Waterstone’s most distinctive touches lies in its embrace of visual art. The Jackson Pollock Studio Guitar and Bass, featuring high-definition images of the artist’s iconic studio floor, is a prime example. These limited-edition models blend music and modern art in a way that few instrument makers even attempt. Proceeds from these guitars support the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center, underlining the company’s dedication to art education and preservation.
Dr. Singer’s background in modern art history informs these choices. His admiration for abstract expressionism, conceptualism, and minimalism translates into bold designs that speak not only to the ear but to the eye and mind.
Artists across genres, from Tom Petersson of Cheap Trick to Georg Hólm of Sigur Rós, have chosen Waterstone instruments for their stage and studio work. Their endorsement is a testament to the company’s emphasis on playability, reliability, and tonal complexity.
Each Waterstone guitar is more than a tool; it’s a finely tuned machine, a sculptural piece of art, and an emotional conduit between musician and audience.
Waterstone Guitar Co. is a shining example of how craftsmanship becomes something extraordinary when infused with passion, precision, and artistic vision. Through thoughtful design, premium materials, and uncompromising attention to detail, Waterstone doesn’t just build guitars; it creates masterpieces. These instruments are not only a joy to play but a celebration of what happens when music meets meticulous design.