Welcome to Xaver Guitars

My name is Gerry Gruber, and I hand-build guitars under the brand name "Xaver Guitars". I specialize in steel-string acoustic guitars, in three models: dreadnought, mini-jumbo and grand concert. I have a limited selection of guitars in stock, available for delivery, and also take custom orders. Click here to see the guitars currently available, or here to find out how to order a custom guitar, at no extra charge.

What's New...

Juno-Award-Winning Teddy Leonard Enjoying an Xaver Guitar

May 14th, 2012

Teddy Leonard, puts an Xaver grand concert guitar through its paces at the recent Ontario Guitar Show.

One of the rewards of building guitars is to hear accomplished guitarists play them. I had that opportunity recently at the Ontario Guitar Show. Teddy Leonard performed a few pieces with my grand concert model guitar for those in attendance at the show. Leonard was honoured in 1999 with a Juno Award for Best Blues Recording. His masterful riffs can be heard on numerous CDs as he has performed over the years with bands including Fathead, Handy, Juno nominee Paul Reddick, Colin Linden, Morgan Davis and Pork Belly Futures. Leonard has shared the stage with legends no less than B.B. King. So, you will forgive me if I had a broad grin on my face as one of my guitars came to life under the spellbinding artistry of one of Canada's greatest guitarists. Thanks Teddy. I owe you one.

Samantha Mouchet and Xaver Guitars

May 2nd, 2012

Singer-songwriter and recording artist Samantha Mouchet crafts her unique sound with a little help from Xaver Guitars.

I am delighted to announce that Samantha Mouchet, singer-songwriter and recording artist, will be featuring my grand concert guitar on her upcoming CD Strange Dreams. Samantha's soulful folk sound and lilting lyrics accompanied by her silky smooth vocals makes you just want to sit back and enjoy. Fresh off an appearance at Gulliver's, Samantha is quickly establishing a name as a talented songwriter and performer, reminiscent of the classic sound of Cassandra Vasik. Check back here for updates on her pending CD release. And in the meantime check out Samantha's site SamathaMouchet.com and have a listen to some of the tracks that will be featured on the CD.

Ontario Guitar Show a Great Success

April 30th, 2012

Xaver Guitars at the Ontario Guitar Show.

I would like to thank everyone who visited us at our table yesterday at the Ontario Guitar Show. It was great to talk with you, to get your feedback on my guitars, and especially to hear you play my instruments. If this is your first visit to my website, I would invite you to have a look at my completed guitars, available for sale here, as well as how to order a custom guitar here. If you have any questions, would like to purchase one of my completed instruments, or would like a quote on a custom build, I am just an email away.

Redesigned Bridge for Increased Energy Transference

March 21st, 2012

New bridge on my latest Grand Concert guitar, with bridge pins installed at a 15 degree angle to increase energy transference from the strings to the soundboard.

For my most recently completed guitar - see story immediately below - I've made some significant changes to the bridge. The overall profile (footprint) of the bridge has changed in two ways: the forward edge of the bridge now has a very gentle curve; and the edges of the wings are tilted inward to conform more to the sides of the guitar. The biggest change is that the back of the bridge now slopes away from the saddle at a 15 degree angle. The bridge pins are installed on this sloped surface, thereby enhancing the energy transference from the strings to the soundboard. Also, this design reduces the overall mass of the bridge, while maintaining the appropriate height for the saddle. You are welcome to drop by my workshop and try out this new bridge on my latest guitar, and let me know what you think about it.

Archived Notices

If you saw something posted here previously and now it is gone, check the What's New - Archived Notices page.