Steve Henderson

Steve Henderson discovered his love of craftsmanship, characterized in his artful manipulation of wood, while in college. In 1979 he completed the woodworking program at Palomar Community College in San Marcos, California.

His first solo foray into woodworking began in Alton, Missouri in 1980 culminating six years later with a place in the first “Best of Missouri Hands”; a book recognizing the finest craftsmen in the state. In 1986, and again the following year, he earned “Best of Show, Woodworking” at the St. Louis Strassenfest. Moving back to urban San Diego, in 1988 he was hired as the lead man for a small custom cabinet shop. In 1989 Steve became acquainted with Bob Taylor, who persuaded him to come to work at Taylor Guitars, a leading acoustic guitar manufacturer, to work as the Parts Department manager and Patternmaker. His responsibilities grew to the more entrepreneurial aspect of the business, helping to design prototypes and start new production lines. In late 1990 he set out with Larry Breedlove to co-found Breedlove Guitars to be located in Tumalo, Oregon; becoming the sole owner. In 1994. In 1995 one of his guitars selected and the “Guitar of the Year” by the American Guitar Players Association. Steve hand build my personal custom Breedlove C-20 out of wild Brazilian Rosewood and a stunning Bearclaw Adirondack top. During his ownership of Breedlove guitars Steve made guitars for many famous musicians, including Madonna, Bob Seger, Chris Hillman and Sammy Hagar. Steve sold the company in 2000 and opened his own woodworkingshop building fine furniture and custom cabinetry.