My name is Todd Sipes and I am in the GGBO 2021 because I feel like I have no choice but to build guitars. I'm 52 years old and I've been a player for over 35 years. Once I discovered building through watching Ben Crowe on YouTube, it's been my life since then and that was almost 2 years ago. I decided to get involved in the GGBO 2021 because I knew it would drive me to stay focused on one build for the entirety of this competition. I have done countless repairs and upgrades over the years as well as many kit builds. This will however be my first scratch build, but I can assure you the first of many! My GGBO 2021 build is a solid body American Walnut hybrid body shape with a 5 piece bolt on Padauk/Purpleheart neck and a space Padauk fretboard, attached with carbon steel threaded inserts and stainless bolts. 22 medium high Jescar frets and a custom headstock shape. I will also be using a recessed Floyd Rose style tremolo made by Tremoline in Bulgaria, it's the FT36. Hipshot locking tuners, Dimarzio pickups,  Bourns push pull pots, 5 way switch, side output jack, etc.  I am doing a really interesting finish on my build that will incorporate the use of silver leaf and black stain to accent the beautiful Walnut body. I can't wait to see what everyone else builds and although it would be nice to place in this, that's not why I am doing it. Building has allowed me to join a community of some really great, extremely knowledgeable people who are so generous and kind. It will also help my YouTube channel gain exposure, so as I make my way towards doing this full time I can take everyone with me on my journey. I can't think of anything I'd rather do. I would like to thank Ben Crowe from the bottom of my heart for inspiring me to become the best builder I can be. I owe him a huge debt of gratitude. Thanks also to the staff at the GGBO, you guys are the best. I know you have been overwhelmed by comments, emails and work in general but I have had every email answered and every problem solved! Thanks so much for doing what you do. I mean that sincerely.

You can visit my YouTube channel here:

You can see the video of my final build here: