Paul Reed Smith Took Inspiration from Torres for His Acoustic Guitar Design
When Paul Reed Smith first heard an 1800s acoustic guitar built by Antonio Torres, he knew his own steel-string guitar designs would borrow structural elements from Torres.
Guitarmakers and Guitarmaking
Thomas Ripsam, C.F. Martin and Co.’s First Non-Family CEO, Combines a Love of Guitar with Global Business Experience
Thomas Ripsam’s path to CEO at C.F. Martin & Co.’s Nazareth, Pennsylvania, headquarters is even more unlikely than most.
A Guide to Identifying Common Acoustic Guitar Shapes and Sizes
The steel-string acoustic guitar appears in many different sizes and shapes. This guide gives a general understanding of the most common styles and what they may offer players.
Great Acoustics: This Custom Style 21 Cowardin 000 Celebrates a Decades-Long Friendship
A friend commissioned Jack Cowardin to build an understated 000 acoustic guitar to complement his 1938 Martin 000-18. The result was much more than just wood and metal.
Kathrin Hauser and Her Family’s Guitar-Making Dynasty
The Hauser guitar making dynasty started in the late 19th century with Josef Hauser (1854–1939) and continues today with Hermann Hauser III and his daughter Kathrin Hauser.
Kenny Hill’s State-of-the-Art Modern Legacy Model Classical Guitar
This 2019 Kenny Hill Modern Legacy classical guitar, the luthier's main guitar for his own playing, is a prime example of his company’s top-tier offerings.
Jeff Jewitt Embraces Dual Roles as Both a Top Finishing Supplier and Guitar Luthier
Without any formal training in lutherie, Jewitt, now in his late 60s, has made a name for himself as a sought-after boutique guitar maker.
How I Learned to Make Guitars: Eight Modern Luthiers on the Origins of Their Craft
What does it take to go from loving acoustic guitars to actually building them? To answer this, we asked a handful of luthiers to tell us their origin stories.
How CEO James ‘JC’ Curleigh Is Using Lessons from Levi’s to Spur Gibson Guitars’ Revival
James “JC” Curleigh is using his experience revitalizing the Levi's brand to do the same with Gibson guitars after taking the reins as CEO in 2018.
Del Langejans Makes Guitars That Sound Rich and Full, ‘Like a Grand Piano’
Drawing on three decades of experience building guitars for stars and students, Del Langejans’ small outfit near Lake Michigan has developed a signature sound by using thick, rigid sides and rosewood necks.