Author: Mike De Laet
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ABSTRACT: This article, an updated excerpt from my undergraduate thesis in Business Management at FATEC-SCS “Antonio Russo”, aims to present important historical facts for the development of lutherie and the musical instrument industry in Brazil, as well as economic data and information on its main figures, taking into account the impacts of the pandemic period. A…
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Stradivari “San Lorenzo” – the violin with a Latin inscription on the side. At first glance, the ‘San Lorenzo’ appears to be a beautiful, typical example from Stradivari's golden period. Its shape is broad and graceful; its back is made of two beautiful wedge-cut pieces of maple; the sides and fingerboard are…
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The X-Bracing structure for steel-string acoustic guitars. I recently started building a steel-string (Triple-O) guitar, and our client became curious about the reasons why steel strings shouldn't be used on a classical or flamenco guitar, among other issues. The conversation went in many directions, including aspects…
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List of tools needed for building musical instruments. Recently, a follower of our Instagram @delaetmusic asked about the tools needed for lutherie work. I decided to share here a list of tools based on suggestions from the Luthiery course at the Tatuí Conservatory, which I have added to over the years. I take this opportunity…
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The weight of tradition, combined with the pursuit of new manufacturing methods, is the essence of the German Hermann Hauser workshop. For countless guitar lovers, the name Hauser needs no introduction. It's true, it's very difficult to have never heard of Hauser in the guitar world, but for those less familiar with the manufacture of musical instruments…
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A fascinating instrument that may surprise you in terms of versatility, richness of tone, and ease of transport. The guitar is just one member of a very large and extensive family of plucked string instruments. Distant cousins of the modern guitar date back at least 3,000 years – although the closest family similarities go back…
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7 tips for choosing the best guitar for beginners. Learn what to consider when choosing the best guitar for beginners. We frequently receive inquiries from people interested in purchasing a musical instrument built in our workshop, which makes us very happy. However, over the years we have found…
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Understanding the technical terms to avoid the increasingly frequent "inaccuracies" in naming high-end instruments in Brazil. In recent years, we have found countless messages on social media from musicians and enthusiasts – mostly guitarists – with questions about buying a "brand name" instrument versus a "luthier-made" instrument. In the groups…
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When we think of the most acclaimed luthier of all time, Antonio Stradivari, we inevitably think of the legendary violins that still inspire many master luthiers today. However, our "Sabionari violin," built in 1679, is one of only five Baroque guitars made by the master of masters in the art of lutherie. It currently makes…
