Tree Bone Guitars

A different kind of guitar shop.

With the growth and dominance of online guitar retailers and marketplaces, some things are gained and some things are lost. What's gained is convenience, selection, availability, and in some cases better prices for the consumer. What's lost is personalized service, real advice and consultation, and the ability to compare instruments side by side. We fill the gap for mid to upper tier guitar buyers who want more than scrolling through websites and online checkouts.

Our selection of instruments is highly curated. That doesn't mean they are all the most expensive instruments on the market. To the contrary, we search for, examine, and play guitars from around the world to find the instruments that offer the best tone, aesthetics, and value. For our local clients, we offer our Concierge Service and for clients further away, we routinely do one on one consultations to help them find their next guitar.

We believe the best guitars are discovered and not shopped for. We help people discover the best instruments, without the chains of traditional retail. Whether you are an online buyer or in person client, we're here to help and share our experience so you're happy, better yet excited, about your new guitar. From working musicians to weekend home players, we love going through the process with you and seeing the joy that comes from matching player with guitar.

Working from Fredericksburg, Va, we ship across the country and bring guitars in-person from the beltway to Richmond, and sometimes beyond.

The Name

At its core, Tree Bone Guityars comes from a simple idea. A tree’s strength, structure, and history live beneath the surface—layered quietly over decades. Growth rings record time. Grain reveals tension and flexibility. What once held the tree upright becomes the framework that allows an instrument to resonate.

When shaped by skilled hands, that inner structure doesn’t disappear—it transforms, carrying its integrity forward in a new form. A well made guitar inherits this internal story. Its character is shaped long before strings are installed or notes are played. The way it responds, sustains, and matures over time traces back to the material itself—how it grew, how it was selected, and how thoughtfully it was worked.

Nothing is superficial. Everything meaningful comes from within. That perspective guides how we think about guitars: not as decorative objects, but as instruments defined by substance, balance, and beauty. What matters most isn't the brand name, it's how the instrument makes you feel. It's about the bones of that instrument. The Tree Bones.

‍

mike Ognek

The Conductor.

Mike grew up playing the sax and dabbled in piano and percussion over the years. He entered the guitar world later in life after serving as a Marine Officer, business owner, consultant, and investor. He created Tree Bone Guitars to fill a niche he wished existed as he searched for his own guitars for playing and investment. Mike is primarily an acoustic player, but enjoys a bit of distortion from time to time. As a hobby woodworker, Mike has an appreciation for well-crafted instruments and understands the process, intricacies, and effort involved in creating great guitars.

Whether you want to experience our Concierge Service, just ask a question about a guitar or guitars in general, or need help choosing the best instrument for you, you'll be talking to Mike. The good news is it will be worth the time spent. The bad news is a lot of people want to talk to him, so be a little patient.