Australia has become one of the most exciting centres of modern guitar making, and Kim Lissarrague is among the makers carrying that reputation to the world. From a small workshop in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, he builds a limited number of highly regarded classical guitars each year.
A self-taught start
Lissarrague designed his first guitars in 1991, at just thirteen years old, teaching himself the fundamentals out of a love of both music and woodworking. Inspired early by the Australian maker Peter Riffin, he devoted himself to building — and, as a player himself, to understanding what a guitar needs to give a musician.
Spanish roots, Australian school
His foundations are traditional: he drew on the classic designs of Ignacio Fleta and Robert Bouchet. But like many of his countrymen he also absorbed the innovations of the modern Australian school — the lineage of makers such as Gérard Gilet, Robin Moyes and Jim Williams that gave the world the powerful lattice-braced guitar. Between 1997 and 2000 he worked with James Cargill Guitars, refining his craft before developing his own model.
His own voice
That model, inspired by the Australian school, has earned international recognition and is played by concert artists such as Izhar Elias in the Netherlands. A Lissarrague is the meeting point of two worlds: the warmth and tradition of the Spanish guitar, and the clarity and projection that Australian makers pioneered.
FAQ
Who is Kim Lissarrague?
An Australian luthier based in the Blue Mountains, known for finely built classical guitars in the modern Australian tradition.
What influenced his building?
The Spanish designs of Fleta and Bouchet, combined with the innovations of the Australian school.
Who plays his guitars?
Concert artists internationally, including Izhar Elias in the Netherlands.
