ridgewing guitars
"Since the Chrysalis guitar first appeared, unbidden, in my imagination over 30 years ago, there have been times of frenzy, enlightenment, confusion, joy, insanity, hard work, elation, frustration, depression, shame and intense devotion. To finally be able to show and play this thing, and see it have the same wonderful effect on guitarists that it had on me in dream form so long ago, is very hard to put words to."
Tim White 2014
WELCOME!
Welcome to the Ridgewing Archive — a non-commercial digital preservation project documenting the history and legacy of the Ridgewing and Chrysalis guitars designed by Tim White.
​
This website is dedicated to Tim White, the visionary behind these remarkable instruments. It serves as a historical archive chronicling his more than thirty years of imagining, prototyping, refining, and ultimately bringing to life the innovative Chrysalis guitars and their successors, the Ridgewing models.
​
We invite you to explore the stories, designs, and archival materials that capture the spirit of this extraordinary creative endeavor.
1980 - 2003
The Chrysalis Guitar
Designed to be a portable and modular guitar, the Chrysalis aimed to combine the full-size acoustic playing experience with the convenience of easy transport. It featured a unique design that allowed it to break down into smaller components, that fit into a custom designed carry-on attache case.
​
The guitar was crafted with a focus on quality sound and playability, utilizing advanced materials and construction techniques. The Chrysalis was notable for its carbon fiber body frame, grill work, neck, and headstock as well as its carbon fiber suspended bridge and inflatable sound cavity. These contributed to its acoustic properties while maintaining a lightweight structure.
​
The production of the Chrysalis was limited, with around 15 units sold between 2000 and 2005. The guitar attracted attention from musicians and collectors alike, showcasing a blend of artistry and engineering.
​
While the Chrysalis ultimately paved the way for the development of the Ridgewing guitar, it represented a significant step in Tim White's journey as a luthier, reflecting his commitment to creating instruments that are not only functional but also inspire creativity and exploration in music.
Chrysalis guitar donated by Tim White to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, 2000
Dangerous Curves: Art of Guitar Exhibit, 2000-2001
Photo courtesy of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts
2013 - 2016
The Ridgewing Guitar
Ridgewing Guitar, Serial #2
Tim White, Ridgewing Guitars
The Ridgewing guitar is a revolutionary instrument designed by Tim White, the founder of Ridgewing Guitars. This innovative guitar is distinguished by its unique modular design, allowing it to break down into a compact, violin-sized case for easy transport. When reassembled, it maintains the full-size and full-scale characteristics essential for professional playability, making it an ideal choice for musicians on the go.
One of the most remarkable features of the Ridgewing guitar is that the entire instrument is held together by cam-actuated string tension. This ingenious mechanism not only simplifies the assembly and disassembly process but also ensures that the guitar remains stable and in tune during play. The design reflects Tim's commitment to creating a guitar that is both functional and user-friendly.
​
The Ridgewing guitar is crafted using advanced materials and construction techniques, including a distinctive grillwork design that enhances its acoustic properties while keeping it lightweight. Tim's vision was to create a guitar that is not only fun and easy to play but also convenient for musicians who travel frequently.
​
Production numbers for the Ridgewing guitar were limited, with only a eight units produced, reflecting the challenges of bringing such an innovative design to market. The guitar has garnered interest from musicians and collectors alike, showcasing its potential to revolutionize the way guitars are perceived and used.
​
Tim White's dedication to innovation is evident in the Ridgewing guitar, which embodies his lifelong dream of creating a unique instrument that combines functionality with artistic expression. The Ridgewing guitar stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of guitar design and the spirit of the modern Maker movement, inspiring creativity and exploration in music.
Tim White
The Musician, Visionary, Inventor, and Engineer
Tim White is the visionary founder of Chrysalis Guitars and Ridgewing Guitars, companies dedicated to revolutionizing the world of guitar design and manufacturing. With a rich background in both science and craftsmanship, Tim has spent over 50 years exploring the intersections of creativity, technology, and music. His journey began in childhood, where he engaged in chemistry experiments and built model rockets, igniting a lifelong passion for invention and discovery.
​
Tim's musical journey started with learning to play the 12-string guitar, which deepened his appreciation for the instrument and its complexities. His adventurous spirit led him to hitchhike across the continent, where he encountered diverse musical styles and cultures that further influenced his artistic vision. He pursued a degree in Evolutionary Biology, which provided him with a unique perspective on the natural world and its principles, ultimately shaping his approach to guitar design.
​
In the early stages of his career, Tim apprenticed with a master guitarmaker, honing his skills and understanding of traditional luthiery. This experience laid the foundation for his innovative work in guitar technology. After 30 years of exploration and experimentation, Tim realized his lifelong dream with the creation of the Chrysalis and Ridgewing guitars, full-size professional instruments that break down into compact, violin-sized cases for transport and reassembly to pitch in seconds.
​
Tim holds more than fifteen US and international patents in robotic vision and guitar technology. His work reflects a deep understanding of physical acoustics and psycho-acoustics, allowing him to assess and improve guitar design effectively. Tim's commitment to quality and craftsmanship is evident in every Chrysalis and Ridgewing guitar, which are held together by a unique cam-actuated string tension mechanism, ensuring stability and ease of use.
​
Beyond his technical achievements, Tim is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experiences with others. He has presented talks, such as "The Mind of a Maker," where he discusses the importance of serendipity, failure, and the joy of making things. Tim and his wife, Cheryl Christner, lived in New Boston during the Chrysalis/Ridgewing timeframe, where they raised three children and enjoyed the company of their wonderful grandchildren.
​
Tim White's journey as a maker, inventor, and musician continues to inspire others in the modern Maker movement, as they strive to create instruments that resonate with the hearts and minds of musicians everywhere.
Chrysalis Disassembly/Reassembly
Ridgewing Guitar, Serial #2
Tim White, Ridgewing Guitars
The Chrysalis guitar features a unique modular design that allows for easy disassembly and reassembly, making it highly portable. To disassemble, the player simply loosens the strings, which are held in place by a cam-actuated tension mechanism. This innovative system enables the guitar to break down into smaller components, including the neck, body, and other parts, which can be conveniently stored in a compact case similar in size to a violin case.
​
Reassembly is equally straightforward; the player aligns the components and tightens the strings, which automatically engages the cam mechanism, securing the guitar in place and bringing it back to pitch in seconds. This design not only enhances portability but also maintains the full-size playing experience, allowing musicians to enjoy the benefits of a traditional guitar without the bulk.
Video courtesy of WMUR-TV
Chrysalis Guitars
On January 24, 2013, WMUR in Manchester, New Hampshire broadcast a feature story introducing viewers to the remarkable Chrysalis Guitars and their inventor, Tim White. As founder and president of the company, White shared not only the striking sound of his instrument but also the long journey of ideas, experimentation, and refinement that led to its creation. The segment emphasized the unique qualities of the Chrysalis guitar, most notably its ability to be completely disassembled for travel—a feature that makes it unlike any conventional acoustic guitar. Viewers watched White demonstrate how the instrument can be broken down and reassembled in seconds, illustrating its practicality for musicians on the move.
​
The program also included music and insight from acclaimed guitarist Harvey Reid, who performed on a Chrysalis guitar and praised its tone and versatility. His playing provided an authentic demonstration of how the instrument stands up in the hands of a seasoned professional. Adding a personal dimension, Tim’s wife, Cheryl Christner, recalls how amazed people are when they watch Tim take the guitar out and assemble it—it sort of blows their minds a little bit… that this is actually a real guitar. Together, the music, interviews, and demonstrations painted a vivid picture of a visionary project—an inventive fusion of art, engineering, and passion that continues to inspire musicians.