OD guitars

Stephen McSwain was born in Gastonia, North Carolina, near Charlotte, on March 19, 1969. Growing up in a creatively vibrant family, Stephen was surrounded by music and art from an early age. His father, a talented singer, and his mother, an avid painter, sewer, and sculptor, nurtured Stephen’s artistic inclinations and encouraged his explorative spirit. From a young age, Stephen showcased his creativity with a Dremel tool and an Exacto knife set, carving simple designs out of wood. His attention to detail and passion for drawing laid a strong foundation for his future endeavours in both art and music.

Stephen’s musical journey began in high school, where he joined the choir under the guidance of exceptional directors. The choir’s international competitions provided him with invaluable experience and exposure to the world of music. This experience ignited a passion for performance and collaboration, leading him to form his first band during his college years. It was during this time that he developed a close friendship with Stephen Hall, who would later become his business partner.

After graduating from college, Stephen took a job in sales for a medical supply company, which allowed him to return to his hometown. While living at home temporarily, he rediscovered his love for woodworking and guitar-making. He purchased an alder Super Strat-style guitar body from Warmoth and began carving intricate designs of faces and interwoven vines into the wood. Encouraged by local music store staff, he sought to get his creations into the hands of renowned musicians.

With the help of Stephen Hall, who had previously obtained Steve Vai’s personal phone number, Stephen reached out to the legendary guitarist. To his surprise, Steve answered the call, leading to an opportunity to send him one of his custom guitar bodies. The feedback Stephen received from Vai established his credibility in the music industry and opened doors for him to connect with various national bands that toured through Charlotte.