James Condino

James Condino has 158 handcrafted musical instruments under his belt. Since 1979, when he started working as a luthier, he’s built mandolins, guitars, double basses, and other instruments using fine tools, air-dried timbers, and hide glues. He recently moved from Portland, Ore., to Asheville, N.C., where he runs the Cascade School of Lutherie (visit his Web site or more information). He’s also working on a book about building the modern mandolin.