Mission
Luthiers
Builds
Knowledge
Founder
Our Dream
Luthier-built guitars are simultaneously works of art and instruments of music. For a long time, we have felt that these unique creations deserve an equally unique home. The Luthier Bench has been hand-crafted to be that place - where Luthiers can proudly display their builds. We also envision that our Knowledge Base will become the deepest collection of Luthier knowledge as we 'collect' this wisdom in our Knowledge section -- Chayton Alo, Founder
The Luthiers
Luthiers are at the heart of our business. Both the builds and the stored knowledge are what The Luthier Bench is all about. We are witnessing a golden age of the independent guitar builder across the globe. The innovation, artistry, and voicing/sound profiles are resulting in masterpiece creations in all categories of guitars, from Dreadnoughts to Electrics. We believe the "Luthier Guitar" deserves a home base and that is our mission.
The Guitar Builds
Builds - a noun used to describe a guitar constructed by hand. The difference between a "factory guitar" - even a high-end instrument from a reputable company - and a hand-crafted "luthier-built guitar" is literally night and day. No machine can replace the critical bracing & voicing process of the human hand and ear. No machine can endow soul into wood. Our goal is to introduce a new (and old) generation of guitar buyers to Luthier builds!
Our Knowledge Base
To build a guitar from scratch is an enormous undertaking that requires years, even decades, of development to achieve. To acquire "Master Builder" status can take half a lifetime. The broad array of skill sets that combine to create a hand-built guitar are astonishing. Woodworking, Sound Profiling, Inlay and Finishing are just some of what is required. The Luthier Bench has a passion and goal to accumulate the collective wisdom & experience of a generation of Luthiers in our Knowledge Base.
Our Founder
Chayton Alo is the founder of The Luthier Bench. As a long-time guitar teacher & performer, Chayton has developed a passion for the art and beauty of guitar lutherie. And, he is currently training to be a Luthier with the goal of building acoustic guitars from 50,000-year-old wood under the brand "Ancient Guitars". Chayton's career over forty years have included diverse involvements from investment banking to being an embedded war reporter in the MIddle East. Chayton also personally hand-crafted our multi-vendor, e-commerce platform.
Founder's Statement
Our mission is about Luthiers, Builds and Knowledge. Our focus is on the Luthier - what they build and the vast array of knowledge required for even the most basic guitar construction. Our vision for The Luthier Bench is to elevate the luthier community and provide both a marketplace of guitars and ideas that guitar buyers and collectors will be drawn to. We hand-crafted a home for the independent luthier to showcase both their guitars builds as well as their building knowledge base. We would like the luthier to focus on honing the craft and allow us the honor and privilege of marketing their creations. A luthier-built guitar is the intersection of art, science, aesthetics and most of all, musical creation. We humbly invite luthiers from around the world to join The Luthier Bench community. Let's build together!
Chayton Alo, founder of The Luthier Bench
Why Choose The Bench?
Our Features
The Luthier Bench Offers Benefits Both Guitar Builders & Collectors
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The Luthier Bench
Online Marketplace & Knowledge Base Designed for the Independent Luthier
7% Fee
100% Luthier Guitars
zero factory guitars
25% Reduced Fees
retain more of build price
Built For Luthiers
crafted for guitar builder
Owned by Luthier
and dedicated to luthiers
Premium Guitars
ranging from $5,000 & up
24/7 Online Support
online chat, phone or ticket
Luthier Knowledge
learn from master builders
Insurance & Logistics
$10,000 shipping insurance
Reverb
general e-commerce mall for musical equipment of all types & prices
8.2% Base Fee
Everything & Anything
luthier guitars lost on mall
HIgh Seller Fees
seller fees up over 10%
Amazon of Music
zero focus on luthiers
Corporate Ownership
acquired by Etsy in 2019
Anything At Any Price
no focus on guitar builder
No Live 24/7 Support
only tickets available
Music-Related Blogs
limited coverage of luthiers
No Insurance Offered
seller/buyer responsible
WHat THE LUTHIER BENCH OFFERS
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What is the mission of The Luthier Bench?
The Luthier Bench is the premier online marketplace and knowledge base for Luthier-built guitars. Approved luthiers are provided a storefront and the ability to list their guitar builds for sale. We handle 100% of the logistics and insurance for every build acquisition. The Luthier Bench is the online home for the independent guitar builder to connect with discriminating Buyers and Collectors.
WHAT IS OUR UNIQUE VALUE TO COLLECTORS?
The Luthier Bench is the single online marketplace for Luthier-built guitars. Our Buyers typically manage a personal collection of guitars and are now exploring unique guitar builds with impeccable specifications. Our Buyers visit our Luthier Storefronts looking for remarkable tonewood selection, precision in building, and aesthetics in finish. Our platform is the sole multi-vendor marketplace for these Buyers to meet an array of extraordinary Luthiers.
What are the requirements for a guitar listing?
Naturally we welcome a wide array of guitar Builders and builds on The Luthier Bench. We have categories that include Dreadnoughts, Archtops, Parlors, Bass and Electric, and more. Our primary requirements is quality of build and Luthier reputation. We anticipate that the average price point for Luthier Storefronts will range from $5,000 to $25,000.
What is the Luthier knowledge Base?
The Luthier Bench intends to amass the single largest resource of Luthier wisdom in our Knowledge Base. We will be accumulating articles (and videos) on every aspect of guitar construction, including building, voicing, as well as advice on long-term maintenance of your instrument. Each Luthier Storefront will contain a link to the wisdom of that builder - thereby acting as a selling point to a potential Buyer.
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