Our hand-selected luthiers for the Winter 2025 High Desert Luthiery Invitational at Rio Bravo Brewing in Albuquerque
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Unga Guitars
Perry Vasquez
Albuquerque, New Mexico
I have been a luthier for 25 years and design and build guitars, basses, and other unique stringed instruments. I like to take the wants and needs of the player and use my experience as a luthier to create a tool that works specifically for them.
I have a preference for thin, almost bare-wood finishes. I feel this approach lets the player connect with the instrument with more grace and ease. I want to build an instrument the player doesn’t want to put down.
I also teach luthiery!
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Felix Violins
Julia Felix
Santa Fe, New Mexico
My interest in lutherie began in college when I began to make a connection between my love of music and my love of woodworking. After graduating with a degree in Studio Art, I attended North Bennet Street School's Violin Making and Repair program in Boston, Massachusetts, where I learned how to build violins and violas in the traditional Cremonese style.
In 2019, I returned to my hometown of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and now focus primarily on making new instruments out of my home workshop for violinists and violists around the country.
In addition to being a violin maker, I have a 5-year-old son, a 10-year-old pomeranian, play classical guitar, organize socials for the Women in Lutherie Facebook Group, and volunteer at my local makerspace, MAKE Santa Fe.
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Nasty Mammoth
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Prehistoric guitar maker, forged in the veins of the beast, known only as the Nasty Mammoth, where we create bespoke guitars for my fellow wizard beasts.
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LEF Custom Guitars
Luis
Corrales, New Mexico
All of my guitars are handmade with attention to detail, using the skills I’ve developed over the past 18 years. With over 200 guitars made, I feel I’ve reached the master-built level.
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Monte
Albuquerque, New Mexico
I’ve been building for over 45 years. I specialize in electric guitars and have many satisfied customers.
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Misael Herrera
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Guitar tech and musician serving the greater Albuquerque area.
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Longbow Guitars
John
Albuquerque, New Mexico
We specialize in arch-top, solid bodies and flat-top hollow body electrics and basses.
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Zara Custom Basses
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Local luthier making custom basses.
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Quantars
Quanah Lee
Santa Fe, New Mexico
A one-man-shop building custom, handmade electric guitars and basses in the little hills of New Mexico.
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DNA Designs
Daniel Alchin
Albuquerque, New Mexico
I am originally from a small farming town in South Africa and have spent the last 18 years sailing the oceans. I built my first guitar in 2017 while working as a carpenter on a private yacht. Since then, I have built several different instruments and love building something new.
I am self-taught and currently consider myself to be an amateur luthier. I have taken to building a series of cigar box instruments since relocating to New Mexico earlier this year.
I try to incorporate reclaimed materials into my builds whenever possible, enjoying both the challenge and the distinctive beauty they bring to each instrument.
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Boutique Laboratory Guitars
Tobin
Santa Cruz, California
Each BLG build starts with a question: “how should this one sound?”
That question shapes every step — from wood selection to port placement.
These guitars aren’t copies — they’re conversations.
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Stolen Guitar Company
Robert Weber
Albuquerque, New Mexico
I have been playing guitar since 1970. In 2018, my business Stolen Guitar Company grew from my love of guitars.
I’m passionate about creating custom, one-of-a-kind musical instruments with a soul. Every instrument is carefully hand crafted, creating unique and functional art. Each guitar is individually named and numbered—no two are alike.
I work with you to make you a guitar that you will be happy to play and display for years to come. I truly believe my guitars are works of art!