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32 Artscene · FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009 PHOTOS BY KAREN NEWMAN / OAKVILLE BEAVER THE KEY OF G: Doug Ilton is an Oakville luthier with a passion for making acoustic guitars for finger-style players. He has built 12 guitars since 2005. Each guitar takes about 250 hours to make. Guitar Man By Tina Depko OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Oakville luthier strikes a chord so satisfying." Ilton said he lives to build guitars, knowing that someone with a natural musical gift, like Jacob, will one day play on them. "Jacob has one of my guitars and he is one of the most amazing musicians," he said. "There were about two or three years when he would ask me to show him how to play a song. Now, I ask him how to play songs." Ilton has been doing woodworking for most of his life. It is in his blood. His late grandfather on his mother's side was Mohawk Indian and was a builder and canoe maker. Ilton's father, who was British, was a furniture maker. Among Ilton's most prized possessions is a chessboard he made from wood with his father. Back in 2005, Ilton embarked on repairing an old guitar owned by his mother. He went to a store to buy a piece of wood for a new top, where the clerk asked if he was interested in making guitars. He then introduced him to Tony Karol, a luthier in Mississauga. "I went to see Tony the next day and the day after that, I took him a down payment for the (guitar making) course," he said. D oug Ilton becomes animated as he walks around his workshop, showing off different guitars in the various stages of their creation. To some people, it is just a workshop. But to Ilton, it's his special place. A place where he can be found most evenings, summer and winter, honing his craft. Itlon is a luthier, specializing in acoustic guitars for finger-style players Pieces of guitars can be found throughout the workshop, from rosettes waiting to dry to a row of frames shaping guitar sides. There are necks in various stages, as well as a drying rack where a freshly varnished guitar is hanging. Ilton can play the opening to Stairway to Heaven like it's no one's business, but he says his son, Jacob, 12, is a far superior player. "I'm not a really great musician, but I enjoy it so much that it led me to start to build them," he said. "I find that every time I create a guitar, it is such an amazing feeling to see the creation. Every time I finish a guitar, I think `I can't believe I made that.' I think it is See Luthier page 33 WEEKEND SHOWCASE OF HOMES SOUTH BURLINGTON OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 2-4 OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 2-4 PRICE REDUCED *Each office is independently owned and operated Sales Representative BETH WANDS Sales Representative ELIZABETH HILAND Sales Representative VICKIE COOPER 905-634-7755 BROKERAGE ROYAL LEPAGE BURLOAK REAL ESTATE SERVICES Sense of flowing space in the expansive great room with cathedral ceiling, gas F.P, spacious dining area, french doors to heated florida room overlooking the back yard. Gorgeous kitchen offers centre island, granite counters, ample storage. Suite retreat describes the large master bedroom with walk-in closet and luxurious 4 pc ensuite. Huge games room with f.p., den and 3 pc bath in the lower level, Hardwood floors in the great room, kitchen,and master bedroom, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths STUNNING OPEN CONCEPT $575,000 905.639.6111 BROKERAGE PRUDENTIAL BY THE LAKE REALTY Truly outstanding custom-built bungalow. Located in prime West Oakville. Loaded with top of the line materials and finishes. Spectacular home offering the finest in luxury living. Please call Elizabeth today for a private viewing. 553 TRUDALE CT. Virtual Tour and info at www.ElizabethHiland.com $699,000 LUXURY LIVING 25 BLUE HERON DRIVE, CARLISLE BROKERAGE HALTON HERITAGE REALTY INC., 905.631.9177 Ext 38 Exquisite executive residence located in quiet, upscale neighbourhood. Luxury abounds in this 3300 sq. ft. plus fully fin ll home. Features incl. chef's kit w/high-end appl. and main fl. master with w/o to hottub, Stunning marbelite pool/cabana in resort like backyard. $1,049,000