ABOUT

Dale Unger was born September 16, 1954, raised in Nazareth, PA, home of Martin Guitar. In my teens I became inspired by meeting some of the world’s finest guitar builders. This led me to play guitar and become a builder. Visiting the shop of one of Martin’s craftsmen encouraged me to buy one of his guitars. I was overwhelmed by the craftsmanship and ease of playing. At that point I knew I wanted to build an instrument of that quality. I started building acoustic guitars in 1977 in collaboration with friend Dick Boak.

In 1993 I began an apprentice with Archtop guitar builder, Robert Benedetto. Working for Bob for several years was an experience of a lifetime. Teaching me his secrets and passions for the Archtop guitar that has taken him some 30 years to master. Together we built some of the worlds finest Archtop guitars.

Gradually, I started incorporating Bob’s secrets with my own ideas. In 1996, inspired by Bob and Cindy Benedetto, I began offering my own handmade Archtop guitars under the American Archtop Brand, for which I have received critical acclaim. American Archtop Guitars are built for the player. Guitars are custom ordered and I am always available to discuss your personal preferences. I am president and owner of American Archtop Guitars & Unger Instrument Company. My world- famous instruments are built in Nazareth, Pa USA. I rarely handcraft more than 20 per year.

I also offer several workshops varying from construction of an archtop, flat top and electric guitars at the Nazareth Guitar Institute. I have also produced a CD under my own label with several of my players demonstrating the unique sounds of my guitars.

I now introduce you to my line of American Archtop Guitars. They are one of the finest guitars handcrafted today.