Strings, Wood, and Electricity: Alchemy and Luthiery

This issue of Luthier Magazine brings together articles that speak to one another, showcasing the richness of luthiery from different angles. We pause to reflect on figures who made history, on sounds that left their mark, on the present of the artisanal market, and on the voice of a luthier who is paving her own path. An edition designed for musicians and builders who want to approach the craft with curiosity, respect, and passion.

Les Paul: The Creator of the Solid-Body Guitar

To talk about Les Paul is to talk about a musician who wasn’t satisfied with just playing—he wanted to reinvent the instrument, and he succeeded. But it’s also to talk about an inventor who brought experimentation into the realm of recording, creating the first multitrack recorder and forever changing the way music is produced. This article explores how a curious guitarist ended up shaping one of the most influential guitars in history and new ways of recording and listening.

P90: the electric roar

A few months ago, I encountered this guitar in Cocó’s hands. P90s have something untamable about them—raw, direct, with a personality that still surprises today. In these pages, we break down their construction, recall the musicians who turned them into an emblem of sonic rebellion, and also include a tutorial by Ricardo Lira showing how to assemble one using Maderas Barber kits.

The Artisanal Instrument Market

Who Is Investing in a Luthier-Made Instrument Today? Beyond passion, there’s a market in motion, with musicians seeking their own identity and sound. This article provides a clear overview of what it means to sell and buy a handcrafted instrument today.

María Machado: The Secret Is in the Varnish

Varnish is not just an aesthetic detail—it’s part of the instrument’s soul. María Machado, trained in Tucumán and Cremona, shares her experience in the art of preparing varnishes and applying them with the patience of a craft passed down through generations. In this issue, in addition to the interview, we present her online course for those who want to learn this knowledge firsthand.

An Edition with a Restless Spirit

Four articles, four entry points: the story of a tireless inventor, the magnetism of a legendary sound, questions about the current market, and the voice of a luthier in full stride. An issue to read unhurriedly, savoring each story.

Other Articles from Luthier Magazine

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