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Holy Grail Show Feature - Millimetric Instruments
I think I can quite comfortably say, that the Holy Grail Guitar Show is the one true home to the boutique guitar world. Every one of the 130+ luthiers exhibiting over the course of the two sunny Spring days in Berlin were providing a masterclass in quality craftsmanship and innovative design. To me, one of those luthiers helping provide a fresh take on guitar design and building techniques, was Florian Schneider of Millimetric Instruments.
Back in March I interviewed Florian for my 'Meet the Maker' series and it only further deepened my intrigue into his work. To many, the guitars look like the hybrid of simplistic Scandinavian furniture, Travis Bean guitars and to some I've heard say, Danelectro too. But the natural instinct to 'pigeon hole' the aesthetic style of these instruments is almost overshadowed by Florian's incredibly well thought out design and attention to detail in every aspect of the build. We talked about his techniques and influences in the interview back in March, so perhaps now it's time to look more specifically at the instruments themselves, and after quite some time adoring these guitars online, it was finally my chance to hold one in my hands. What did I think? Well, let's get to the details and find out.
Back in March I interviewed Florian for my 'Meet the Maker' series and it only further deepened my intrigue into his work. To many, the guitars look like the hybrid of simplistic Scandinavian furniture, Travis Bean guitars and to some I've heard say, Danelectro too. But the natural instinct to 'pigeon hole' the aesthetic style of these instruments is almost overshadowed by Florian's incredibly well thought out design and attention to detail in every aspect of the build. We talked about his techniques and influences in the interview back in March, so perhaps now it's time to look more specifically at the instruments themselves, and after quite some time adoring these guitars online, it was finally my chance to hold one in my hands. What did I think? Well, let's get to the details and find out.
Holy Grail Show Feature - Schorr Guitars - Defying convention.
I love Nicolai's opening sentence on the 'about' section of his website. "I have a strange affection for guitars. Schorr guitars is my way of dealing with it.". I think that is a perfect introduction to delving into his creative instruments and way of approaching the guitar. Nicolai's designs are inviting. I think they ignite curiosity, be it the simplistic shape, petite sizes, exposed wiring components or sliding pickups. This is surely something that can't be passed by, and to me anyway, are as much a work of art as they are a playable instrument, combining almost industrial aesthetics into such a clean style. Heading towards the Holy Grail Show, this was a luthier I was really looking forward to meeting.
Holy Grail Show Feature - Deimel Guitarworks - Creating the next generation of luthier?
I've been to a lot of guitar shows in my time, both as a customer and as an exhibitor, and you think you've seen it all. That is until I walked up to the Deimel table at the Holy Grail Show. What makes it different you ask? The artist painted offsets, vivid colours and crazy pickups? To an extent yes, but ultimately it was the Deimel family that made me smile first. Involving their kids in what the husband and wife team do, came across to me as if it was as important as the guitars themselves. After chatting with them both about it, it would seem this is very much the case. Even giving them their own 'jobs' over the weekend, like official photographer etc, so great! This is more meaningful than just doing cool stuff with your kids, to me this is getting a younger generation excited about the guitar. It's showing them that handmade is important in this day and age, and teaching them what can be created with your hands, tools, materials and probably most recognisable to kids, your imagination. Which clearly is something Frank and Kora at Deimel rely strongly on judging by their creative designs.
Holy Grail Show feature - Tom Sands Guitars - Apprentice to mentor.
The world of high end steel string luthiery is a deep pool of almost unfathomable talent. The bar has been set so high that it's difficult to imagine how you could even begin to be unique, how you could float to the top of that innovative and highly skilled pool. But Tom Sands has managed it, and set about proving it by launching his latest two designs at this year's Holy Grail Guitar Show, both of which wonderfully different to one another only tied by Tom's distinct style coming through and seemingly infinite abilities in luthiery.
Holy Grail Show feature - Jghg - Meeting a Jersey Girl, from Japan
Jghg (Jersey Girl Homemade Guitars) describe their instruments as compositions, and now I have had the honour of holding them in my own hands, I can see why. They're as fluid and creative as a beautiful musical composition, and executed with absolute finesse and perfection. I've been following this 4 luthier team from Japan for a while, out of pure awe for their unique looks. But upon finally seeing the three 'compositions' they had on display at the Holy Grail Guitar Show '18, I don't think I was quite prepared for just how exquisite their work truly is. This is the next level surely?