A great guitar is the work of a great maker. As a specialist dealer, we have handled instruments by the most important luthiers in history. This guide traces their lineage — from the man who invented the modern guitar to the builders pushing it forward today — each with a full profile.
The founders
Everything begins with Antonio de Torres, who gave the classical guitar its size, proportions and fan-braced soundboard in the 19th century. Every guitar since descends from his design.
The 20th-century masters
Two names define the golden age of concert guitars: the German dynasty of Hermann Hauser, who built Segovia's legendary 1937 instrument, and the French Daniel Friederich, who brought a scientist's rigour to the craft.
The modern innovators
Today's leading builders chase power and projection through new construction. The double-top pioneers Dammann and Wagner invented the sandwich soundboard; the German Dieter Müller refined it with a physicist's ear; and the Australian Jim Redgate builds the lattice and double-top guitars played by Ana Vidović and Pepe Romero.
Our own line
Drawing on decades of living with the world's finest instruments, we built Siccas Luthiers — our own line of classical guitars, finished and set up in our Karlsruhe workshop.
How construction shapes sound
If the names above are new to you, start with the difference that matters most: how the soundboard is built. Our guide to fan-braced vs double-top vs lattice explains why a Torres-style guitar sounds warm and traditional while a modern double-top projects with such power.
