J. Rieck's Livingston Taylor Tribute

The idea behind this guitar grew out of mutual admiration between builder and performer. John Detrick, who had long admired Josh's work, brought the two together with a shared vision: not a replica of Livingston's Taylor guitar, but a craftsman's response to it — built in the tradition of fine lutherie, shaped by Livingston's own artistic sensibility. The two had real conversations about feel, responsiveness, and voice before Josh put tool to wood. This isn't a spec sheet guitar. It's a guitar that began as a dialogue.

What makes this Dakota genuinely special isn't any single specification — it's the context in which it was built. It was conceived as a tribute to a man who has spent his career arguing that great performance begins long before the spotlight comes on, that preparation enables freedom, and that the goal of every stage appearance is simply to make the audience glad they came. Josh Rieck built this guitar in that same spirit: with precision, patience, and a belief that small details reveal the soul of the work.

The proceeds from the sale of this guitar will be donated directly to Berklee College of Music.

Here is a great article about Livingston Taylor and this guitar: LivingstonTaylor-Guitar.pdf

And here is a link to the listing for this guitar: J. Rieck Dakota, Livingston Taylor Tribute