The late Venn is best remembered as a founder of the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery in Phoenix, but of course he was himself a custom guitar builder. Venn instruments are rarely seen, but he started building in Bakersfield, California, in the 1950s and was mentored by Semie Moseley of Mosrite, among others. Among his notable luthiery and repair clients was e-mando pioneer Tiny Moore, for whom Venn appears to have built the 5-string instrument depicted in these photos.