The North American Guitar offers a unique service to discriminating guitarists looking for the very best in modern lutherie.

The North American Guitar is the modern guitar as we know it. Be it flat-top steel string, archtop, solid body, or resonator these instruments began their evolution in North America. These are instruments that in the hands of players such as Charlie Christian, Jimi Hendrix, Michael Hedges and other iconoclasts shaped our musical and cultural landscape since the 1900's.

Why choose a custom instrument?

Historically the modern guitar has been a mass-produced commodity. Pumped out in large numbers to a template and a budget dictated by the company. The big name guitar companies have all had periods where standards of craftsmanship, quality of materials and design have been inconsistent to say the least. 

The guitars built by the luthiers we represent are crafted to a standard, not a price. They are often works of art, each one with a sophisticated and unique voice, tailored to suit the client in question. From globe-straddling rockstar to the home enthusiast we cater for all players discerning enough to appreciate the very finest instruments available. 

The Process

From the initial consultation to the delivery of the finished instrument The North American Guitar advises and guides the process of turning your guitar from a dream into a reality. From tonal and ergonomic considerations to recommendations on the finest woods available our wealth of knowledge and experience is at your disposal. Your next instrument will be truly special. A bespoke, unique, beautiful guitar built to your exacting standards.

Michael Watts

Michael Watts has a huge amount of hands-on experience with the very finest guitars being built today. It is this experience coupled with an in-depth knowledge of modern lutherie techniques and advances that will help guide you towards your new guitar.

Michael regularly demonstrates the work of some of the top luthiers at guitar exhibitions around the world and is also in demand as a speaker, giving lectures on all aspects of the modern guitar and the bespoke process.