Guitar Companies, Makers/ Builders
Martin Guitars
Established in 1833, C. F. Martin & Co. is the oldest surviving maker of guitars in the world. Currently the largest producer of acoustic guitars in the United States, the company is highly regarded for creating some of the finest instruments and introducing innovations that have become industry standards in the music products industry.
Taylor Guitars
Taylor Guitars is an El Cajon, California‐based luthier, specializing in acoustic guitars, as well as semi-hollow and solidbody electric guitars. It was established in 1974 by Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug.
Larrivee Guitars
Jean Larrivée Guitars Ltd. is a family-owned and -operated Canadian company that manufacturers acoustic guitars. Founded in 1967 by Jean Larrivée, the company was moved from Toronto, Ontario to Victoria, British Columbia in 1977, and to Vancouver in 1982. A second plant opened in California in September 2001.
Lowden Guitars
George Lowden says, “The journey began in earnest in 1974 when I began the design and building of the first Lowden guitars in my workshop in Bangor County Down, Northern Ireland. From the very beginning I was determined to develop unique designs and not just copy well known makes.”
The Lowden guitar is the result of unique design, workmanship and assembly techniques along with our choice of woods.
Bourgeois Guitars
Pantheon Guitars was formed in October, 2000 when Dana Bourgeois, a well known master luthier, and a set of new business investors came together. Dana and Bourgeois Guitars had, up to that point, crafted over 1,000 of the finest acoustic instruments played by musicians around the world. At that time, having designed and built guitars for more than a quarter of a century, it was exciting for Dana to be part of Pantheon Guitars and combine strong business resources, marketing capability and great guitar building into the same organization. Together, everyone at Pantheon Guitars is working to be the best “small shop” acoustic guitar builder in the world, and Dana, now, part of Pantheon Guitars, has the opportunity to focus on designing and building instruments of the highest quality and making Bourgeois guitars the best they can be.
Northwood Guitars
John McQuarrie says, “I am incredibly fortunate to be able to work with some of the most beautiful species of wood in the world. By combining the finest of tonewoods, an intelligent design, and the most stringent attention to detail, inside and out, I can ensure that a Northwood guitar not only looks and sounds beautiful, but performs beautifully as well.”
Gallagher Guitar
Gallagher Guitars are built by hand in very limited numbers. From 1965 to 2005 only 3037 instruments were made, that’s around 75 a year. Limited numbers, unlimited care. There is no substitute for fine craftsmanship in a musical instrument. The workmanship on all Gallagher guitars is the same regardless of price or model.
Lakewood Guitars
What is the Sound of Magic? It’s when the song you are playing seems to play itself. It’s when you pick up a guitar and from the moment you play it you become inspired, and new ideas flow freely with every strum. It’s when your guitar becomes the vehicle of your inspiration, and an extension of your soul. It’s that elusive element that is the difference between a mass produced, machine-made guitar, and a hand-made instrument that takes on the soul of its creator, and eventually its owner.
National Guitars
To understand what a National is all about, you have to understand that the purpose of the Tricone and single resonator is to amplify sound.
Other Sites About Acoustic Guitars
Acoustic Guitar Magazine
Reviews, lessons and tips for beginning guitar players as well as the seasoned pro.