Harmonizing with the Canyon: Crafting Melodies on the Colorado River

Luthier David Hanson Crafts Stringed Instruments Inspired by Grand Canyon

by Sharon Hester

Craftsman David Hanson’s many rafting journeys through Grand Canyon have intertwined seamlessly with the ebb and flow of the river, each bend offering fresh inspiration for his craft as a skilled luthier. As he navigates the Colorado River’s winding path, his mind drifts to the intricate designs awaiting his deft touch on his next ukulele, or the perfect symphony of wood awaiting his skilled hands for an upcoming guitar. 

Among the myriad surprises that await on a river journey, live music holds a special allure for David. He can vividly recall moments of pure musical magic: the haunting strains of a Celtic air sung acapella echoing off the canyon walls in Blacktail Canyon, the intimate father-daughter duet that stirred emotions around a campfire, and the soulful serenade of a soft jazz saxophone drifting through the tranquil morning mist. Each melody, each note, becomes a thread woven into the tapestry of his river experiences. 

For David, crafting stringed instruments is more than a mere skill—it’s a heartfelt homage to the very essence of Grand Canyon. His guitars, ukuleles, and mountain dulcimers are imbued with the spirit of the canyon itself, from the laser-etched images of its majestic cliffs to the resonance of wood types that echo the region’s diverse landscape. 

With an intimate understanding of the canyon’s ecology, David carefully selects each wood, ensuring that his instruments not only sound sublime but also resonate in perfect harmony with their natural surroundings. Sycamore, Englemann spruce, and mesquite—each representative of the unique flora of the Grand Canyon region—are chosen for their distinct qualities, embodying the rich natural history of this awe-inspiring landscape. 

Many of Hanson’s Cripple Creek stringed instruments have found their way into the Canyon; a handful of custom-built guitars and ukuleles for a few AzRA guides, and even a mountain dulcimer crafted for a southern belle turned river guide. 

As David embarks on his 13th rafting expedition this year, he reflects on the countless journeys that have shaped his connection to this remarkable natural wonder. With every paddle stroke and every chord strummed, he discovers new facets of the canyon’s beauty, each one igniting his passion for both his craft and the river that flows through his soul. 

To see examples of David’s exquisite craftsmanship or to commission your own Grand Canyon masterpiece, visit Cripple Creek Mandolins at https://www.cripplecreekmandolins.com. 

A special thank you to David for sharing his love of the Canyon, and his instruments, with us. It’s a special treat to take people on these adventures, and it’s even more of a pleasure when we get to share it year after year with them.

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