Yan Lei

Yan Lei is a contemporary luthier whose guitars combine traditional Spanish craftsmanship with modern innovation. Starting as a self-taught builder in 2012, he refined his skills through collaboration with experienced luthiers and further training with Simon Ambridge in 2016. His international recognition came in 2018 when he reached the finals of the Antonio Marín Montero Guitar Making Competition in Granada. Influenced by masters such as Torres, Hauser, and Friederich, Yan Lei specializes in Double-Top guitars, exploring new tonal and structural possibilities inspired by Matthias Dammann’s groundbreaking designs. Each of his instruments reflects precision, balance, and a deep pursuit of expressive sound.

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Yan Lei – Luthier

Yan Lei began his journey into guitar making in 2012 as a self-taught craftsman. In 2014, he joined a local workshop with several luthiers to further refine his skills and expand his technical knowledge. In 2016, he completed advanced training under the British luthier Simon Ambridge, whose precision and tonal philosophy deeply influenced his development as a maker.

After only four years of experience, Yan Lei’s craftsmanship gained international recognition in 2018, when he reached the finals and achieved fourth place at the prestigious 2nd “Antonio Marín Montero” Guitar Making Competition in Granada, Spain – a remarkable milestone in his young career.

In 2019, he continued his studies by visiting and learning from renowned American luthiers such as Jeffery Elliott, R.E. Brune, and Ervin Somogyi. These experiences broadened his understanding of tonal design, structure, and acoustic refinement, helping him to develop his own distinct voice as a guitar maker.

He specializes in Torres-, Hauser-, and Friederich-style constructions as well as modern Double-Top designs. A defining moment came in 2021, when he repaired a 2012 Double-Top guitar by Matthias Dammann. The instrument’s asymmetrical bracing and innovative Nomex sandwich structure inspired him to question traditional symmetrical building concepts and explore new tonal possibilities.

Since then, Yan Lei has passionately experimented with different bracing systems and Double-Top configurations, always striving to push the acoustic and expressive boundaries of the classical guitar. Each of his instruments reflects a deep commitment to research, innovation, and the pursuit of artistic excellence.