Kim Lissarrague

Kim Lissarrague is an Australian guitar maker celebrated for creating modern concert instruments that preserve the elegance and tonal character of traditional guitars while offering remarkable projection, sustain, and harmonic richness. Having built his first guitars at the age of 13, he refined his craft through collaborations with makers such as James and Mery Cargill and drew inspiration from iconic luthiers like Ignacio Fleta and Robert Bouchet. Influenced by the Australian school of guitar building, Lissarrague developed his own highly responsive and powerful model, now played by renowned concert artists including Izhar Elias. His guitars are admired for their round, complex tone, deep basses, nuanced trebles, and exceptional musicality.

Frequently Asked Questions About Classical Guitars

How do I choose the right classical guitar for my level?

Choosing the right classical guitar depends on your playing level, musical goals, and budget. Beginners benefit from studio-model guitars from renowned workshops, while advanced players and professionals often choose a handmade master guitar. We are happy to advise you personally and can send detailed sound samples and videos on request.

What is the difference between a master guitar and a studio guitar?

Master guitars are built entirely by hand in the workshop of a single luthier, using only high-quality, well-aged tonewoods. Studio guitars are made in small series, often under the supervision of the master luthier, and offer excellent value for students and ambitious amateur players.

Can I try a classical guitar at home for 14 days?

Yes — every guitar you purchase from us comes with a 14-day home approval period. This complimentary trial applies worldwide to all orders, whether you are in Germany, Europe, the USA, Asia or anywhere else. We ship your instrument fully insured in a high-quality case so you can play it under your own acoustic conditions. If the guitar is not the right one for you, simply send it back and receive a full refund of the purchase price.

Can I try a classical guitar before purchasing?

Absolutely. You are warmly invited to visit our showroom in Karlsruhe, Germany, and test the instruments at your leisure. We are happy to schedule a personal appointment. If a visit is not possible, we send detailed videos and sound samples, and offer extensive consultation by phone or video call.

What payment methods and financing options do you offer?

We accept bank transfer, PayPal, major credit cards, and Klarna. For high-value instruments, we offer individual installment plans on request. Please contact us directly — we will find a suitable solution for every budget.

How do I properly care for my classical guitar?

A classical guitar requires constant humidity between 45 and 55 percent. Store the instrument in its case with a humidifier, avoid direct sunlight and large temperature fluctuations. Change the strings regularly and clean the guitar with a soft microfiber cloth.

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Kim Lissarrague – Guitar Maker

Kim Lissarrague is recognised for designing modern guitars that preserve the elegance and characteristics of traditional instruments while offering remarkable power and harmonic richness.

Biographical Details

Kim Lissarrague built his first guitars in 1991 at the age of thirteen. Driven by his passion for music and woodworking, he began exploring the fundamentals of guitar making on his own.

Inspired by Australian guitar maker Peter Riffin, he dedicated himself to the construction of acoustic instruments and developed a strong connection to the guitar as a player.

In the 2000s, he collaborated with James and Mery Cargil, refining his skills. His early training was rooted in traditional and classical methods, influenced by the work of Ignacio Fleta and Robert Bouchet.

Australian luthiers such as Gérard Gilet, Robin Moyes, and Jim Williams introduced new construction techniques that shaped his approach. Drawing from the Australian school, Lissarrague developed his own model, which has gained international recognition and is played by renowned concert artists such as Izhar Elias in the Netherlands.

His guitars are celebrated for their outstanding projection, rounded tone, long sustain, and complex overtones, combining nuanced trebles with deep, cello-like basses.

The construction process is highly demanding and relies exclusively on premium-quality woods. Guitarists seeking both power and volume, combined with expressive musicality, will appreciate the qualities of Kim Lissarrague’s instruments.