Blackbird Guitars was formed in 2005 when founders and designers Joe Luttwak and Kyle Wolfe gave-up searching for a compact guitar worth bringing along for the ride. The only 'travel' models available were thin-sounding and fragile. Armed with experience in high tech products, the quest started innocently enough with the tried-and-true design mantra to generate as many concepts as possible and prototype the winners. It helped to have access to the latest advanced manufacturing early in the process, including three-dimensional CAD (computer-aided design), computer controlled lasers and routers as well as carbon-fiber and kevlar composites. The team benefited greatly from the tutelage and encouragement of several Bay Area guitar-making luminaries. After two years of development, the resulting Rider model is a harmonious blend of technology and traditional craftsmanship. Part mountain dulcimer, part F1 race car, Blackbird guitars are high performance instruments built for the road in our shop in San Francisco's Mission district.