The story behind Catalyst.

How this started

Catalyst started because I was sick of the options we’re given. Most guitars are safe choices. They work, they’re reliable, and that’s not a bad thing — but it never scratched my itch.

I wanted something with edge. Not “look at me” flashy — just a guitar with character. Subtle details that command attention. A clean silhouette. A little class. A guitar that feels right playing blues through a tube amp.

And I wanted it to be practical: comfortable sitting (a real cut-out), light enough standing, and easy to work on when you inevitably want to change something.

Built from first principles

My background is chemistry and engineering. In that world, you don’t start with tradition — you start with what’s needed, you ignore everything else, and you build up from there.

That’s how Catalyst was born: first-principles thinking and iteration. Four years of development. Five or six designs that didn’t make the cut. Then finally: a guitar that was easy to work on, sounded great, looked great, and felt natural sitting or standing.

The result is beautiful in its simplicity: two pickups, master volume, master tone, a three-way switch, and a bolt-on neck so it’s easy to service. And unlike a lot of semi-hollows, it has rear cavity access — so you can actually get in there and make changes without a headache.

I was also lucky during those years to be around serious R&D environments — and to work with some of the best machinists I’ve ever met. That influences everything I build.

Every Catalyst is designed and hand-built in America.

Build philosophy

• • Start from function, not fashion.
• • Strip it down until only the important parts remain.
• • Light, balanced, comfortable — sitting or standing.
• • Simple electronics that do exactly what they should.
• • Serviceability matters. Nothing should be “precious.”