William Eaton

William Eaton is a master luthier, musician, and educator whose career has been closely intertwined with the evolution of modern guitar craftsmanship. His musical journey began at age seven when his Uncle Charlie gave him a ukulele and he learned to play “Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue.” By junior high he was performing guitar in a folk band, and in high school he expanded into rock ensembles, experiences that deepened his connection to stringed instruments. William built his first guitar in 1971 as an apprentice to John Roberts at Juan Roberto Guitar Works. Roberts’ own path to guitar making was remarkable — after shipping rare rosewood and mahogany from Nicaragua to Phoenix with plans for a yacht-building venture, local luthiers encouraged him to use the wood for instrument construction, ultimately inspiring the creation of a cooperative apprenticeship that evolved into a school. Recognizing the opportunity, William developed a business plan while earning his MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, helping establish the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery in 1975 alongside Roberts and fellow founders. Since 1976, William has served as a guiding creative force at the school, designing innovative multi-stringed and one-of-a-kind instruments, including acclaimed harp guitars that have appeared in museums, publications, and exhibitions worldwide. A four-time Grammy nominee who records with Canyon Records and tours nationally, William remains dedicated to advancing the art of luthiery while inspiring future generations of instrument makers.