Cory Arndt | Owner & Luthier
Passionate about building guitars, I founded Ardent Guitars—a name that perfectly captures my dedication. With a lifelong love for guitars, nurtured by my folk musician father, I began playing at a young age. When I wasn't strumming, I indulged in constructing model cars, ships, and planes, as well as solving puzzles. My dad's shop became my haven, where I honed my skills using wood scraps to craft small boxes. High school introduced me to a full-scale woodshop, where I delved into joinery and mastered the tools of the trade. With a passion for hands-on work, music, and art, I started my woodworking journey with decorative boxes and wood sculptures. The idea of crafting my own guitar took hold, merging my box-building skills with the art of sculpting wood to create a musical instrument. Building my first guitar confirmed that I had discovered my true calling.
With a Bachelor's degree in Technical Education and Training, and an Associates degree in Computer Science, my unconventional educational background has paved the way for my journey in guitar building. Rooted in analytical thinking and process-centric approaches, these degrees have equipped me with essential skills for developing high-quality guitars. As a lifelong learner, I find the pursuit of mastery in guitar building immensely appealing, driven by my passion for assembling intricate details with unwavering precision. Little did I know, these interests, knowledge, and skills were the building blocks that shaped the foundation of Ardent Guitars.
When beginning on guitar, I started with old folk tunes like 'House of the Rising Sun,' tracing back to the 19th century, immersing myself in the richness of music history. Train songs like 'City of New Orleans' resonated with me, along with the works of Townes Van Zandt and John Prine.
