I am Ray Rienks (pronounced Rinks) and do most tasks involved in this business myself. However, I have had much help along the way and usually refer to Rienks Guitars as "Us" or "We". This will be the only section of the site where the word "I" will be used referring to Rienks Guitars. I consider everyone who has helped, all of my family and all customers to be a part of Rienks Guitars. Most customers stay in touch well after their purchase and can use me for questions concerning their guitars or just drop a line to tell me something cool they may be up to and I appreciate your communications.

Now I must mention those who have helped me most. Of course if you don't know me or any of them, this is the boring part for you, but it must be done!

First, my wife Kelli helps however I need it, whether it be administrative type stuff or just providing encouragement and nourishing meals. Plus, she has to put up with me spending much time in the shop. I love you Kelli.

My son Ray also helps when he's here. He is quite talented with tools as well as performing any tasks I give him. If he decides to take over for me someday, I'm sure he'll be quite good at it. Thanks for your help Ray.

Most of what I have learned came from my dad Ryc. He is a master instrument repairman and a very good musician. I had the opportunity to watch and learn from him while he was performing his incredible repair techniques in his instrument repair business. Everything from a guitar with a snapped off headstock to a trumpet that had been run over by a car. If not for learning so much from him, I certainly would not be making guitars now. I was also afforded the use of many of his tools during my first few years of guitar making for which I am very much appreciative. Thanks Dad for all of your help and advice.

Also deserving much thanks are my mom Vicki, my sister Shauna, my brother Aaron and daughter Michelle for all of their support and help whenever I need it.

Finally, I must thank a few of my friends who have been instrumental in the success of Rienks Guitars. Alex Porter, who is a great craftsman himself, has been a huge help in my knowledge of finishing. He will occasionally help with any special request stuff I may get. I have included some pics of some theme type guitars that he did. Check them out. Thanks to Bill Hanlon-my genius friend who always has great ideas and advice for me. He has also been of great help in the content of this site. Thanks also to my good friend Ken Remillard who along with his wife Mineko was key to getting the ball rolling for Rienks Guitars.

You are all appreciated.

Ray