What happens when a kid from a quiet Florida home ends up building guitars in a gang-controlled neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side? In this episode of Life With Strings Attached, I sit down with luthier and designer Robert Robinson to unpack a life story that moves from high-stakes survival to quiet craftsmanship. Bob shares how he stumbled into guitar making, learned from period instrument builders, and navigated the violent reality of his neighborhood — all while staying committed to building things that matter. From repurposed crack pipes to experimental classical builds, this is the raw and reflective journey of a maker who’s never been afraid to break with tradition — or rebuild from scratch. Listen to and watch Robert’s full story — unfiltered, unforgettable, and true.