The family behind Pavan Guitars
Tom has been playing and building guitars for the past 50 years. Tom’s son William joined the family business several years ago.
Tom built his first classical guitar when he was in his late teens. He went on to study classical guitar in Spain and at the University of New Mexico. He supported himself as a classical guitarist and founded the Santa Fe Spruce Company which harvested and supplied high-grade Rocky Mountain Engelmann Spruce to stringed instrument builders worldwide. In 1990, Tom set up shop as a full-time classical guitar builder.
Over the years, many people who were not ready to purchase a luthier-built guitar reached out for guitar buying advice. In 2001, Tom established Pavan Guitars to provide concert quality Spanish-made classical guitars at an affordable price. Pavan Guitars are built to Tom’s specifications and yield a premium sound, from premium materials, without a needlessly inflated price.
Tom Prisloe
Tom over the years as a guitar aficionado.
William Prisloe
William has been playing guitar for years. After graduating from College in Denmark he came back to NY state and joined his Dad with the family business. He has an excellent ear for judging sound, tone, and balance. If you can describe the sound that you are looking for William will do his best to compare a number of of guitars and find that sound. He is also highly skilled in fretwork and setting up playing actions.
Will also deals with the business and marketing aspect of Pavan Guitars. He scouts for Pavan players and does all the video and sound engineering. He maintains the website and makes sure that all runs smoothly.
Ithaca, New York
Visit Us
Pavan is based in downtown Ithaca, New York — one of the most beautiful small cities in the country, set on Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes, surrounded by gorges and waterfalls. Our shop is in a Victorian brick house a few blocks from the commons. If you're ever passing through, come in and play some guitars. We love having visitors. By appointment.
By appointment 607-229-3097
Questions?
If you have questions about Pavan Spanish classical guitars or if you would like to personally place an order you can call Tom/William at (607) 229-3097 any day of the week up until 9 pm EST, or send an email to tom@pavanguitars.com.