Joe Naylor launched Reverend Guitars in 1997 in East Detroit.

A guitarist since 1980, he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Design, and is a graduate of the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery. Joe has repaired guitars professionally since 1981, and opened his own vintage guitar/repair shop in 1992. That store evolved into J.F. Naylor Engineering, known for the now collectable Naylor amps and speakers. A tireless designer, Joe owns several guitar-related patents, and has conceived many other innovative guitar products including Armor Gold Cables, StringDog Products, the Heads Up Strap, All-Tone Speakers and Railhammer Pickups. To date, products designed by Joe have won many awards from major guitar and industry magazines. Naylor continues to handle all product design and technical support at Reverend.