Hand-Crafted
Electric
Guitars and
Basses
for the
21st Century.
Photos courtesy of Susannah Medley.
Paian Instruments is a company devoted to the hand-craft production of electric basses and guitars. I hope that through my work you will share my desire to express the beauty of natural woods into finely-crafted, hand-built instruments.
William Congreve (1670-1729) wrote, "Music has charms to sooth the savage breast, To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak." In this statement, he expresses the belief that music has both healing and empowering properties. This idea is recognized as much today as it was in William Congreve's day.
However, the ancient Hellenic (Greek) civilization already had an expression of this idea over 2500 years before. The Paian (Paian, Paiêôn, Paiôn, Paôn, Paean, or Paeon) is an ancient Greek word pertaining to a physician, healer, savior, or deliverer. It is also ascribed to a choral song which is sung in thanksgiving for deliverance from evil or harm: A song of triumph sung either after a victory or before a battle. In this word, we see the expression of music as both a healer and empowering force.
In choosing the name Paian Instruments, I am expressing this dual purpose for both myself and the holder of my instruments. For me personally, this company is my personal song of triumph over the forces which would otherwise overwhelm and seek to defeat me. This company has become that by which I am healed.
As an outward expression of myself to others, I hope that the instruments that I produce will provoke the same thoughts of healing and thanksgiving. A means by which the listener will be soothed and comforted. In addition, a means by which the player will not only provide this healing music but also express of their own sense of thanksgiving.
Copyright © Paian Instruments 2002-2007. All Rights Reserved.