This project grew from a deep admiration for the creativity and craftsmanship behind the Ridgewing and Chrysalis guitars. What began as a simple moment of curiosity evolved—slowly but unmistakably—into a larger effort to preserve a remarkable chapter in instrument design. It is a story about discovery, engineering, friendship, and a desire to ensure that the ideas behind these guitars are not lost with time.

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My own connection to music started early in life, although I eventually stepped away from playing. Years later, my son Jeffrey carved his own path into the musical world, becoming a classically trained bass trombonist before turning his attention to the guitar. He developed a fascination with unusual, innovative instruments and often followed sites that highlighted rare creations from the NAMM show. His enthusiasm became infectious, and I found myself drawn into his excitement as he shared the instruments and ideas that inspired him.

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One day he sent me a link to an aluminum Ridgewing guitar for sale online—a model he had admired for years but couldn’t afford. I couldn’t play guitar myself, but the instrument struck me immediately as both a uniquely conceived musical creation and an extraordinary engineering accomplishment. Its precision, originality, and sheer inventiveness captured my imagination. To my son’s surprise, I purchased it.

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When the guitar arrived, I spent weeks studying and restoring it, carefully polishing every surface and examining every detail. I became fascinated not only by its beauty, but by the design thinking and craftsmanship behind it. That close attention only deepened my respect for the maker’s vision. Jeffrey and I exchanged countless photos and messages, discussing the engineering and artistry behind the instrument. Those long evenings turned into something more meaningful: a shared appreciation and a project we could undertake together.

 

That effort led to a pivotal step—meeting the creator, Tim White. We reached out with questions, knowing little about what to expect. Tim welcomed us with remarkable generosity, opening the door not just to conversation but to a friendship. He shared stories, design insights, and the long evolution of ideas that shaped the Chrysalis and Ridgewing guitars. Over time, he entrusted me with a substantial collection of his materials—prototypes, jigs, drawings, parts, and decades of documentation. It was an unexpected and profound gift.

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As I went through his files and the materials he had saved, it became clear that this work represented something rare—a lifetime devoted to a truly original idea. I found myself drawn to the notion of preserving it, not out of obligation but because it felt important and deeply worthwhile. That sense of purpose is what ultimately inspired this project.

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My son and I began cataloging the materials, organizing the information, and documenting each instrument we could locate. We wanted to create something that would both honor Tim’s decades of creative work and present it in a way that musicians, designers, curators, and the simply curious could appreciate. In doing so, we found ourselves building not just a website, but a digital archive—one that celebrates the ingenuity, experimentation, and craftsmanship behind these remarkable instruments.

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This project is our way of ensuring that the Ridgewing and Chrysalis guitars—and the ideas and story behind them—are preserved with care. It is both a tribute and an invitation: to explore, to learn, and to appreciate the vision and persistence that brought these instruments into being.

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— David Stuart