Trying to find the perfect guitar in a shop or online can often be frustrating. Every player is searching for something slightly different — the right tone, feel, and look — and off-the-shelf instruments don’t always tick every box. So does the perfect guitar really exist?
For many musicians, the answer is yes — and it’s custom built. Bespoke guitars designed and crafted by skilled luthiers are becoming increasingly popular, and they’re often more affordable than players might expect. The Beat.ie takes a closer look at Ireland’s talented custom guitar builders and the unique instruments they create.
Dolmen Guitars is a custom guitar and bass workshop located in Monagea, Newcastle West, County Limerick. The shop specialises in bespoke instrument building along with repairs, modifications and restoration work for acoustic and electric guitars.
Address: Monagea, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick, Ireland
Email: info@dolmencustom.com
James Martin Instruments is a small independent workshop in South Kilkenny crafting handmade guitars, bouzoukis, octave mandolins and ukuleles. Each instrument is built to order and can be customised to suit the player’s tonewood preferences and design ideas.
Address: South Kilkenny, Ireland
Email: info@jamesmartininstruments.com
Prohaszka Guitars are handcrafted by master luthier Balazs Prohaszka. Working in Northern Ireland, he builds a small number of highly detailed custom acoustic guitars each year using premium tonewoods and fully bespoke design options.
Address: Northern Ireland
Email: information@prohaszkaguitars.com
Founded by luthier Dave Travers in Dublin, Sound Factory provides professional luthiery services along with specialised training courses in guitar repair, electronics, setup and full acoustic guitar building. The workshop also carries out repair work for many professional musicians.
Address: Dublin, Ireland
Email: info@soundfactoryschoolofluthiery.com