Hello everyone,
I would like to take a moment to introduce myself—Tom M. Smith, the new custodian of the TWS Guitars website. While both TWS and I will be managing our social media, this space will be all mine.
You may notice a familiar name, and that’s no coincidence. I am the son of Tom W. Smith, the visionary behind the brand (I’m already tired of typing our names, haha!). I’d like to share a bit about my role in the TWS Guitars brand and my musical background. While TWS handles the build process, I’ve taken on the role of pseudo instrument tester, quality control specialist, video maker, A&R, and all the other hats that don’t involve actual building (yet).
At 31, I’ve been playing guitar since I was 8 and have immersed myself in the music industry for over a decade. I’ve worked in the studio with Will Putney at Graphic Nature Audio and proudly worn the label of a self-proclaimed “fill-in extraordinaire,” playing guitar and bass for Structures, Fit For An Autopsy, Left Behind, and various other smaller acts over the years. My stint as the lead guitarist in The Acacia Strain for six years allowed me to contribute significantly to the songwriting and production of the 2019 Closed Casket Activities experimental release “It Comes In Waves” and the 2020 Rise Records release “Slow Decay.”
Amidst these adventures, I’ve had the pleasure of playing TWS guitars in various settings. While I’ve recently taken a step back from touring to focus on my mental health, my passion for playing hasn’t waned. Currently, I’m on bass duties for the Raleigh hardcore/punk band Natural End and the newly formed Raleigh metal/hardcore band Demonize.
Beyond music, I am a husband and father to five very hairy children who only walk on all fours and are terrible listeners. I am passionate about movies (mostly horror), television, and baseball (go Yanks!).
In my role at TWS, I oversee every guitar that leaves our hands and enters the customer’s. It’s a form of “quality control,” although it feels wrong to say that, given that every build is completed with top-tier quality. I prefer to think of it as giving the guitar its first spin and breaking it in a bit. I’m thrilled to bring you more updates on the website, along with some upcoming videos to showcase these exceptional guitars.
