Marc Dickinson is an American classical guitar maker in Ardmore, Oklahoma – and a physicist and astrophotographer whose "Cosmic" guitars carry rosettes based on his own photographs of Messier 13. His construction is traditional, with Hauser/Torres-style fan bracing. GSI is Marc's exclusive dealer.
At a Glance
- Nationality: American
- Workshop: Ardmore, Oklahoma
- Building since: about 20 years, full-time since 2019
- Education: M.Sc., Colorado School of Mines; Ph.D. in physics, Texas Christian University
- Model: "Cosmic"
- Bracing: Hauser/Torres-style fan bracing
- Signature details: Messier 13 rosette, "diffraction line" purflings, meteorite fret dots
- Dealer: GSI (exclusive)
A Scientist's Path to Guitar Making
Marc Dickinson is a luthier from Ardmore, Oklahoma. He has multiple advanced degrees in science, including an M.Sc. from the Colorado School of Mines and a Ph.D. in physics from Texas Christian University. He has been building guitars, mainly part-time, for about 20 years. We first met him about 10 years ago, when he was able to show us his 16th guitar. In 2019 Marc finally settled into a full-time workshop, where he has since devoted himself wholly to building classical guitars. In 2023 we reconnected and were extremely impressed with his newest instruments – and we're proud to represent Marc's guitars exclusively.
The "Cosmic" Guitars
Marc's strong scientific background, and particularly his interest in astrophysics and astrophotography, has a great influence on his designs. "Cosmic" influences are visible in his headstocks, purflings and labels, and particularly in his rosettes, which are inspired by one of his own photographs of a great globular cluster known as Messier 13. His "diffraction line" purflings – diminishing pointed lines running counter to each other – recall the starbursts in James Webb telescope images, and some guitars even have fret dots filled with dust from the Brenham meteorite.
Traditional Construction and Sound
Underneath the cosmic aesthetic, Marc's guitars are solidly traditional, with Hauser/Torres-style fan bracing and laminated sides and linings that add stiffness and mass for richer sustain and volume. Their sound is harmonically thick – almost "smoky" – yet clearly defined, with plenty of power and openness for the concert hall.
FAQ
Where is Marc Dickinson's workshop?
In Ardmore, Oklahoma.
What inspires Marc Dickinson's "Cosmic" guitars?
His astrophotography – his rosettes are based on his own photograph of the globular cluster Messier 13.
Where can I buy a Marc Dickinson guitar?
GSI is Marc's exclusive dealer.
Marc's guitars have been coming to GSI since 2023. You'll find guitars currently in stock by clicking the "Guitars In Stock" button in the header of this page as well as earlier examples in our Museum by clicking the "Guitars In Museum" button.
