Trade Regrets: Ken Warmoth

Ken Warmoth, Founder and former President of Warmoth Guitar Products, Inc. passed away on November 27, 2019 in Seattle, WA.

Ken was born on December 30, 1951 in Oakland, CA.  He grew up in Wenatchee, WA where he spent most of his school years. His family moved to Bonney Lake, WA where he graduated from Sumner High School on June 5, 1970.

He joined the United States Air Force in 1970 and served 8 years, including 2 tours in Thailand, mainly as a Missile Guidance Control Systems Specialist. He was promoted to a Staff Sergeant on April 1, 1975. Ken was honorably discharged on April 14, 1978.

When he returned home from the Air Force, Ken spent a short time working for his father, Jim Warmoth, who was a partner in the company, Boogie Bodies.  They went on to start Warmoth Guitar Products, Inc. in April 1980 where Ken was able to utilize his skills in mechanics and engineering. Ken loved working with his hands and spent most days out on the shop floor, shoulder to shoulder with his employees.  Ken served as President of the company for 33 years.  He developed innovative manufacturing machinery and methods as well as innovative features for the custom guitar parts he made.  His love of wood and woodworking brought unique guitar necks and bodies, in a variety of beautiful and exotic woods, to musicians all around the world. Ken strived to benefit guitar players by helping them improve their playing ability through custom, made-to-fit guitar parts. Through his tenacity, creativity and old-fashioned work ethic, the company grew into a leader in the custom guitar industry.  Warmoth Guitar Products, now lead by Ken’s daughter Sandy Hosfelt and her husband Sean Hosfelt, will be celebrating their 40th anniversary in April 2020.

Ken is survived by his wife Annette, 4 siblings, 6 children and 14 grandchildren.