Master luthier Ken Rogers began his journey in instrument building in Virginia in the mid 1970s, crafting his very first piece—an Appalachian dulcimer—for a friend. What started as a simple gift quickly became a lifelong pursuit of tone, tradition, and craftsmanship.
After building a family and establishing his career in the 1980s, Ken’s love for lutherie was reignited in the early 1990s when a friend introduced him to the Virginia Renaissance Fair. Inspired by historical instruments, he immersed himself in research and returned to his home workshop, handcrafting citterns, lutes, harps, mandolins, and guitars. In the mid-1990s, he built his first acoustic guitar—an instrument made especially for his wife, Andrea.
In 2006, Ken relocated to Austin, Texas. Though the move temporarily put his workshop on hold, his creativity never slowed. While teaching film and animation to high school students—another lifelong passion—Ken discovered cigar box guitars and began producing high-end, finely crafted versions that combined innovation with traditional techniques.
After retiring, Ken returned fully to his roots. In 2025, exactly 50 years after building his first instrument, he founded ATX Custom Guitars. With the support of Andrea, Ken has handcrafted more than 100 unique instruments, each reflecting decades of experience, historical knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
ATX Custom Guitars stands as the culmination of a lifetime devoted to the art of fine instrument making—where history, craftsmanship, and passion come together in every build.Master luthier Ken Rogers began his journey in instrument building in Virginia in the late 1970s, crafting his very first piece—an Appalachian dulcimer—for a friend. What started as a simple gift quickly became a lifelong pursuit of tone, tradition, and craftsmanship.
After building a family and establishing his career in the 1980s, Ken’s love for lutherie was reignited in the early 1990s when a friend introduced him to the Virginia Renaissance Fair. Inspired by historical instruments, he immersed himself in research and returned to his home workshop, handcrafting citterns, lutes, harps, mandolins, and guitars. In the mid-1990s, he built his first acoustic guitar—an instrument made especially for his wife, Andrea.
In 2006, Ken relocated to Austin, Texas. Though the move temporarily put his workshop on hold, his creativity never slowed. While teaching film and animation to high school students—another lifelong passion—Ken discovered cigar box guitars and began producing high-end, finely crafted versions that combined innovation with traditional techniques.
After retiring, Ken returned fully to his roots. In 2025, exactly 50 years after building his first instrument, he founded ATX Custom Guitars. With the support of Andrea, Ken has handcrafted more than 100 unique instruments, each reflecting decades of experience, historical knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
ATX Custom Guitars stands as the culmination of a lifetime devoted to the art of fine instrument making—where history, craftsmanship, and passion come together in every build.