Founded in 2018, J.M. Stewart Guitars & Fine Woodworking is owned and operated by head luthier Jonathan Stewart. Jonathan has been working in the field for 10 years, building custom acoustic & electric instruments to exacting detail, and repairing and restoring everything from starter instruments to priceless heirlooms.

Jonathan began his journey in the world of lutherie while completing his Bachelor's degree in Economics at SUNY Potsdam. During an internship with Master Inlay Artist Tracy Cox, he worked on his first repair projects and built his first instruments. This is where he learned what joy can be found in the personal relationships he would build with clients over the years.

From there, Jonathan moved to Boulder, Colorado, in the summer of 2013. While there, he continued his education at the Red Rocks School of Fine Woodworking and Lutherie, honing his craft. Taking classes specializing in Finishing, Acoustic, and Electric Guitar construction furthered his knowledge deeply in the field. In addition, this setting provided him a broad, but focused education in many fine woodworking techniques that he brings to the world of instrument building and beyond.

Also, while living in Boulder, Jonathan worked at a local retail guitar shop. In these years, he further developed his abilities in repair and restoration, while also building a vast knowledge of popular brands of instruments, including their strengths, and weaknesses.

Jonathan moved back to the Upstate New York area in the summer of 2017 to open his own custom instrument business and repair shop. He has worked on instruments for local musicians, retail guitar shops and spent countless hours in his workshop, honing his craft.

Jonathan has always strived to be as thorough in his work as he possibly can. His passion for music bleeds through his daily life in as many ways as he can see fit. His attention to detail, and his obsession with the fine detailed work involved with creating instruments from the ground up, is only overshadowed by his desire to create the tools for others to pursue their own dreams.