Scott Hausmann
Scott has had a passionate interest in woodworking, design, and engineering since childhood. He also cherishes music, and he's captivated by musical instruments as functional works of art.
These interests all converged in 1975 when he built his first guitar under the guidance of Michael Gurian and Gib Taylor at Marlboro College. After graduating in 1976 Scott started his instrument making career when he began work at Gurian Guitars. He eventually became a shop foreman, and he worked closely with Michael Gurian to introduce many process innovations during his employment there.
Through his connection to Gurian Instruments, Scott met Michael Millard of Froggy Bottom Guitars, and the two have enjoyed a close friendship ever since. Scott has worked with Michael in various capacities over the years, and he most recently was a member of the Froggy Bottom crew from 2003–07.
Scott's interest in engineering steered him away from instrument making for a brief period n the 1980's. During this time he worked as a Product Development Engineer for Appropriate Technology Corporation, which was a local manufacturer of insulating window shades. He was awarded 2 patents for products he invented while employed there, and he especially enjoyed developing the unique manufacturing systems required to make the products he worked on.
Scott eventually decided to broaden his woodworking education, and in 1991 he began a year long apprenticeship with studio furniture artist Roger Heitzman. Following that he spent a year as an artist in residence at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Colorado.
He returned to Vermont in 1993 and started his own woodworking and design studio, which he operated until 2006. While this business was primarily focused on custom furniture, it also provided Scott an opportunity to resume building his own musical instruments. To learn more about Scott's accomplishments during this period and see examples of his work, check out his portfolio here:
Scott is a dedicated teacher and he has taught or assisted numerous woodworking classes at nationally recognized schools including Anderson Ranch Arts Center, The Center For Furniture Craftsmanship, and The Putney School Summer Programs. He also has extensive experience developing processing systems and training factory personnel in a wide range of disciplines.
Click here to see some pictures of Scott's instruments.