Ayant grandi dans une famille de luthiers, Joshia a fabriqué sa première guitare en 1992 lorsqu’elle avait à peine 13 ans.. Elle a principalement appris de son père, Sergei de Jonge, et est vite devenue son assistante dans ses cours de lutherie. Cette expérience inspire Joshia à enseigner à son propre compte avec son mari, Patrick Hodgins, dans sa propre boutique. Avec plus de 30 ans d’expérience, les guitares de Joshia se distinguent par la fusion du design traditionnel et contemporain, avec une esthétique minimaliste. La fabrication d’un nombre limité de guitares par an lui permet de travailler avec minutie. Elle affirme que bien qu’il est vrai que le volume de production soit important pour un luthier, la qualité sonore de l’instrument demeure incontestablement au premier plan pour Joshia. Elle s’efforce à tout coup de créer des guitares qui offrent une richesse et une pureté de sonorité qui invitent au jeu et à l’inspiration. Joshia utilise des cordes d’Austine Strings sur ses guitares.

Sergei de Jonge est fabricant de guitares depuis 1970. Après avoir quitté ses études professorales pour devenir l’apprenti de Jean Larrivée, il décide ensuite de se lancer à son compte. Son objectif depuis plus de 50 ans est de fabriquer des instruments de qualité supérieure qui répondent aux besoins uniques du musicien sans compromis sur l’esthétique, la structure et le son. Aujourd’hui, il aime partager sa vaste expérience avec ses nombreux étudiants en offrant des cours en construction de guitares. Sergei est connu pour son esprit novateur et pour avoir poussé les limites de la lutherie. Il construit ses guitares avec une passion inlassable et trouve une immense gratification dans son travail!

Linda Manzer has been designing and building world-class flattop and archtop acoustic guitars since 1974 and she studied with master luthiers Jean Claude Larrivée and the late James D’Aquisto. Linda builds flattop, archtop and harp guitars plus her creative journey has given birth to many cutting edge innovations including in 1984, the “Wedge”, an ergonomic tapered guitar body shape originally designed for the renowned 42-stringed Pikasso guitar and available on all models since. Other interesting instruments include the sitar guitar, the fretless nylon archtop guitar and harp guitars with as many as 52 strings. Manzer collaborated with Pat Metheny on building a very special limited edition model - 30 only The Metheny Manzer Signature 6 limited Edition to celebrate her 30 year collaboration with multiple Grammy recipient Pat Metheny.Manzer's guitars have also been played by Bruce Cockburn, Gordon Lightfoot, Paul Simon, Milton Nascimento, Carlos Santana, Gary Larson, Henrik Andersen, Stephen Fearing, Marie Lynn-Hammond and Julian Lage. Her guitars have been displayed in the Smithsonian, Washington D.C.; the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the Museum of Civilization, Ottawa Canada.Manzer guitars have been displayed in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, MA and are in the permanent collection in the Canadian Museum of History and most recently in the McMichael Art Collections in Kleinburg Ontario, where she led the Group of Seven Guitar Project in 2017. That project commissioned guitars from seven world-renowned Canadian guitar makers in homage to the Group of Seven painters, plus a collective guitar built to honour Tom Thomson, who painted alongside the Group of Seven in the early part of the 20th century. Most recently she has spearheaded the Sunflower Guitar for Ukraine project. A guitar she built to raise money for humanitarian aid for Ukraine that is currently journeying through the hands of musicians and artists to its eventual home in Ukraine.

Dave apprécie particulièrement l’art du travail du bois, surtout lorsqu’il s’agit d’instruments de musique. Il commence sa carrière de luthier à la fin des années 1980 en réparant divers instruments à cordes. Il poursuit ensuite avec une première formation auprès de Sergei de Jonge en 2000, puis y retourne plus tard pour approfondir ses connaissances grâce à un mentorat additionnel qui a duré près de deux ans. Dave se concentre sur l’art de la construction d’instruments majestueux qui sont riches en détails et en sonorité. Ses créations sont à la fois technologiquement sophistiquées et pourtant si simples. Pour lui, la lutherie est une passion de vie qui demande beaucoup de connaissances et un esprit critique constant.

Michael croit fermement qu’une conception cohérente se distingue tant au plan structurel qu’esthétique; deux attributs essentiels à la fabrication d’instruments exceptionnels. Ses idéaux en matière de construction pourraient être décrits de manière très succincte comme «une élégance épurée». Afin d’atteindre ses objectifs tant aux plans sonore que visuel, Michael développe continuellement son approche en alliant science et instinct en faisant appel aux connaissances acquises lors de sa formation en génie mécanique (université Cornell) et au cours des trois années d’étude auprès du maître luthier Sergei de Jonge. Ainsi la résultante de ses œuvres est plus grande que la somme de ses parties.Michael a développé sa propre carrière tout en cofondant, il y a 15 ans, le Mile End Guitar Coop au cœur de la scène musicale et artistique très animée de Montréal. Cette coopérative sert d’atelier à dix luthiers dont l’engagement avec la communauté musicale dans son ensemble est au cœur de leur pratique artistique. Ils partagent leurs connaissances lors de sessions d’entraide et de concerts mensuels.

At the age of 11 I started playing the guitar and my interest and curiosity about how that instrument, made of wood, was built.In 2011 I moved to Canada to study under the guidance of renowned Master Luthier Sergei De Jonge. During the time spent with Sergei I had the opportunity to learn modern techniques for building steel-string and classical guitars and he taught me to look at the guitar in a different way, to understand its dynamics, the delicate balances that characterize it and on which of them intervene to achieve the desired goal.After my Canadian apprenticeship, I returned to northern Italy and opened my first workshop in Solighetto (TV). In 2021 I moved to a larger workshop in Susegana, (TV) where I build my guitars today.

Jason Kostal began his journey into guitar making in 2004 after learning the basics of lutherie from Atlanta-based luthier Kent Everett while getting his master’s degree in business administration and marketing. A guitar player since the age of 4, Jason eventually found his way into the American fingerstyle program at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. An avid guitar collector, one of Jason’s biggest frustrations was finding a guitar that was right for him and the music that he enjoyed so much. After trying many of the factory and small shop guitars available at the time, Jason eventually found his way into the realm of luthier-built instruments.After the very first day in Everrett’s shop, Jason became consumed with the desire for knowledge and understanding about the guitar despite not yet understanding where his path would take him. After finishing graduate school Jason entered the corporate world, but his passion and love of creating things never left him, but rather found him building “guitar-like objects” in a shop in his garage. Disenfranchised with the business world, Jason relocated to Phoenix, AZ and enrolled in the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery where he learned a new approach to building that differed from what he had learned at Everett’s shop. Upon graduation he stayed on as an instructor, eventually running the acoustic guitar program. In 2008 he was offered the opportunity to apprentice under Ervin Somogyi where he stayed for three years. Returning to Arizona in the summer of 2011, Jason opened his own shop and has been working full time since then creating a few unique guitars each year that focus primarily on his own vision of what a fingerstyle guitar should sound like and feel like when played.

Driven by the pursuit of finding "the perfect sound" Zach Lefebvre's ever-evolving guitars are well-known for their rich, lush sound and huge dynamic range. Delivering a palette of tonal colours packed with impressive sustain and clarity matched with playability that makes them a joy to play. Zach's guitars are contemporary while respecting numerous traditional aspects of guitar design. TreeHouse Guitars are built to deliver a world-class sound for the discerning musician while being long-lasting, dependable tools in large stadiums, on small stages or in cozy living rooms. TreeHouse Guitars' inception was in 2012 after Zach apprenticed under the watchful eye of renowned Canadian luthier, Sergei de Jonge. A few of Zach's design details are a nod to the profound influence de Jonge has had on his work. Zach's guitars are crafted using structural and acoustic engineering principals, all in an effort to reach what Zach perceives as "the perfect guitar”.

Michel Pellerin a fabriqué à la main plus de 250 instruments personnalisés à ce jour. Chaque guitare Pellerin est conçue afin d’avoir la juste combinaison de notes fondamentales et d’harmoniques pour créer un instrument sensible, balancé et puissant.Sa consistance dans l'évolution de ses guitares est reconnue par ses mentors et lui permet maintenant d'échanger fréquemment des idées conceptuelles avec des luthiers renommés comme Mario Beauregard et Linda Manzer. Michel est certainement l'un des leaders de la nouvelle génération de jeunes luthiers. "Michel est l'un des nouveaux constructeurs novateurs les plus excitants de la scène. J'aime ce qu'il fait et je surveille toujours ce qu'il propose" - Linda Manzer

Dontcho Ivanov est un luthier basé à Montréal, Québec, Canada. Il apprend à fabriquer des guitares classiques et flamenco dans la tradition espagnole avec Hugues Lefort et des guitares acoustiques dans le style californien avec Mario Beauregard. De son parcours de guitariste classique, Dontcho hérite l’obsession du son. Ses principales préoccupations sont la sonorité, la jouabilité et la longévité. Les guitares Ivanov sont fabriquées avec un soin méticuleux à partir de bois de la plus haute qualité.

Ottawa-based luthier Mike Sankey has been creating one-of-a-kind guitars for over 25 years. While better known for organic yet futuristic electric instruments, his work has always been informed by a deep knowledge and appreciation of historical precedent. Leveraging modern technologies such as 3d printing and computer-aided design has been a means to the end goal of making instruments that are each a totally unique expression of the luthiers’ art.

Michael Greenfield is passionate about tone. Great tone. FAT tone. Squeezing every last molecule of tone out of his guitars. Greenfield is dedicated to crafting extraordinary guitars. He continually researches the history, mechanics, dynamics and physics of the instrument to cultivate a deeper understanding of what makes it work and how he can continue to advance his guitars.Greenfield handcrafts bespoke guitars for those who wish to experience the exhilaration of playing a truly responsive instrument, fashioned to the highest standard. Each commission begins with a personal consultation. The resultant choice of model, specifications, materials and options combine to make your Greenfield Guitar a truly one-of-a-kind instrument – tailor-made, exclusively for you. Michael’s goal is to address your musical requirements and/or enhance your collection.

Ce qui m'inspire,Passionné par le travail du bois et la fascinante complexité des guitares acoustiques, je m'efforce de délivrer le meilleur de mon savoir-faire dans chacun de mes instruments.La fabrication de guitares est pour moi comme une confession qui éveille de multiples émotions, me nourrit, m'inspire et m'accompagne tout au long du processus de construction.Le choix de travailler seul me permet de maîtriser toutes les étapes nécessaires à la création d'un instrument haut de gamme empreint d'une signature sonore unique.Je cherche à produire des instruments puissants, dynamiques et sensibles, capables de transporter le musicien et son public dans une expérience sonore riche en émotions.

Behrad started his journey into the world of musical instruments studying under the mentorship of master luthier Phill Davis while obtaining his bachelor’s degree in graphic design from OCAD University. He later studied with world-renowned luthiers Sergei de Jonge and Trevor Gore to further refine his craft. Upon finishing his degree, Behrad worked as a faculty member at OCAD University, teaching ukulele construction and introductory woodworking. Over the last few years, Behrad worked for Bill Rickard of Rickard Banjos, designing and building a line of acoustic guitars. He currently builds one-of-a-kind handcrafted guitars, selling them in North America, Europe, and Asia, as well as teaching aspiring guitar builders from his studio in Toronto, Canada.

Orla Strijker (24) is an acoustic guitar builder from the Netherlands. Back in 2019 she was an apprentice under Sergei de Jonge. When she was 13 she knew she wanted to become a guitar builder. First she built her own electric guitar at school. And soon after that she started working at the world famous guitar store ‘The Fellowship of Acoustics’, repairing guitars. It was there that she found her love for western guitars. In 2016 Sergei invited her to come to Canada to be his apprentice, which she did in 2019. And now since 2020 she has her own shop in the Netherlands where she builds and repairs guitars. Orla builds the traditional Martin style guitars, with a little bit of her own touch. In her 8 to 9 years working at the Fellowship of Acoustics, she worked on thousands of guitars, which has had an effect on the way she builds her guitars.

Mario Beauregard has been researching,developing and creating instruments from flat tops to archtops for the past 32 years. Recipient of 3 grants from le Conseil des Arts et des Lettres du Quebec, which allowed him to study from the Roberto Venn school of Luthery to being the first apprentice of Ervin Somogyi and study archtop under the guidance of Taku Sakashta. Consultant in the industry from factory to independant builders. Shared and passed his knowledge and experience to apprentices ( from Canada,Japan,Italy) whom today, Mario is very proud and happy to see their careers develop succesfully. Beauregard continues to push the boundaries of creativity and functionality in order to offer the ultimate experience to the musicians. More than ever, I feel blessed and continue to enjoy this amazing journey we all share!

Fraser has always had music in his life. He took piano lessons from a young age, and at about ten years old, added formal drum lessons as well. Fast forward many years later. Life happened and full time work was a thing. But there was always this itch to play the guitar. Not just to play them, but to really understand the guitar and how they worked. The Spanish guitar was the bug, which transitioned to the Flamenco guitar.At this point in time, Fraser had been taking Flamenco guitar lessons for a while and he wanted a better guitar. Sound familiar? A chance encounter with an article in the Kitchissippi Times about a gentleman who built guitars for his family and at 92 years old was still doing it, was the epiphany that started him on his way to building guitars.Fraser built his first guitar in his basement in 2009, a Flamenco guitar. In the spring of 2010, he had the opportunity and means to take Sergei de Jonge's Guitar Making Course. As for many, Sergei's guidance and knowledge helped pave the way to building fine guitars. In 2011, the backyard detached garage was converted to the shop that has evolved to what it is today. After reading most of what has been written about building guitars he has realized an intuitive sense is a valuable asset when building a guitar based on experience from the guitars that came before.Each guitar he has made has allowed him to develop a better understanding of what makes a good Spanish guitar. He understands and accepts that no two guitars are exactly alike. That is the challenge and the excitement of building guitars and hearing them played for the first time.

Christian Piteau est luthier depuis 2021, pour donner suite à une carrière de 24 ans comme technicien en architecture. Il a développé une passion pour concevoir et fabriquer des guitares faites sur mesure. Son désir pour ce changement de cheminement est apparu suite à un cours d'ajustements et réglages offert par son luthier. C'est ce qui l'a amené à découvrir sa passion pour la lutherie et le façonnage du bois. Il a donc réalisé qu’une nouvelle carrière était dans son avenir. Il s'est relancé aux études pour faire un DEC en Lutherie. Après 3 ans d’école et apprentissage, il est gradué de l'école-atelier Lutherie-guitare Bruand avec la mention du premier prix de la cohorte 2021.Dû à son expérience dans son domaine antérieur, il conçoit ses instruments de manière collaborative avec son client. Son but est de vous encadrer et de vous guider au travers de tous les aspects de votre projet d’instrument de rêve. Il tient à vous conseiller pour faire les choix des matériaux et du design approprié pour la sonorité, l'esthétique et la jouabilité que vous recherchez, et dans le style de musique que vous jouez.

Ted Brown has been an ardent woodworker all his life. In the early 90’s he took time off from a high-tech career and studied cabinetmaking in Ottawa, followed by a year at the prestigious College of the Redwoods Fine Woodworking Program in Fort Bragg California. After returning to the Ottawa area, Ted set up his own shop making studio furniture. A few years later he set up a beautiful 3200 square foot shop to teach fine woodworking in an old woolen mill in Almonte Ontario. For the next 5 years Ted welcomed students from Canada, USA, and beyond. By chance on a summer walk down Bank St., Ted wandered into the Folklore Center, and began a new chapter in his life. A couple of hours later, he walked out with a beautiful Larivee guitar, and the beginning of a new love for playing, and making fine guitars. Ted began making guitars, a natural extension of his fine woodworking career, and then went on to get some formal training under Canadian Master luthier Sergei de Jonge. Ted returned a few years later for more training with Sergei, and then went on to train with Master Luthier Michel Pellerin in the art of guitar finishing. Today he continues to make fine hand made guitars and teaches guitar making at Blackwood Guitar Making School located in a lovely maple forest just north of Mallorytown, Ontario.

Evan Kingma started his journey as a luthier in Granada, Spain where he was apprentice to Master Luthier Stephen Hill for five years. During his apprenticeship, Evan built dozens of guitars under Hill’s label, including guitars that were given as first prize for the prestigious International Andres Segovia Competition, and taught courses at The European Institute of Guitar Making. After completing his five year long apprenticeship, Evan would move back to his hometown of Grimsby, ON and open his own workshop. He is proud to bring the Spanish tradition of guitar making to his hometown and to be one of the only luthiers in Canada with his level of authentic Spanish training. Evan’s guitars are known for their rich tonal palette and personalized aesthetic. He works tirelessly to chase his idea of what the ‘perfect guitar’ could sound like, while also working closely with his clients to create unique and personalized rosettes and other visual details. He hopes to build guitars that inspire deep emotional connections for the guitarists who play them all over the world.

L’école-atelier Lutherie-Guitare Bruand, en partenariat avec l’Institut des métiers d’art du Cégep du Vieux-Montréal, offre un programme de formation collégiale en Techniques de métiers d’art, option lutherie-guitare. Cette formation permet d’assurer une relève d’artisans luthiers spécialisés dans les instruments à cordes pincées, principalement la guitare. Durant la formation, ces futurs artisans acquièrent toutes les compétences, les connaissances théoriques ainsi que les habiletés manuelles requises pour exercer le métier de luthier.