To make the Montreal Guitar Show a world-class event that lives up to the expectations of all guitar aficionados, be they exhibitors, luthiers or musicians, it was necessary to create an advisory board. A committee obviously comprising the greatest luthiers, but also people as smitten and you and I!

The goal of this advisory board is to pinpoint the expectations and needs of the international reputation luthiers who will be participating in the Show in order to define what needs to be put in place to make this event essential to the lutherie community. The Montreal Guitar Show hopes to position itself as a must-attend event for all lutherie-lovers, as a strategic show for luthiers themselves, and as a venue where guitar lovers can gather and make unimagined discoveries about the object of their affections.

I therefore wish to offer my warmest thanks to the members of this committee for their delicious mix of expertise and eccentricity, as well as their support, ideas and wise advice that will all contribute to making the MGS a success!

Introducing the members of the advisory board:

Mario Beauregard
http://www.beauregardguitars.com/

The guitars of renowned luthier Mario Beauregard find takers on all continents, from North America to Japan, to Europe. Known and appreciated by both accomplished performers and great collectors, his outstanding instruments stand apart with their refined designs, tonal quality, and ideal playability. True works of art!

Bill Comins
http://www.cominsguitars.com/

A musician and luthier who lives in Philadelphia, Bill Comins specializes in archtop jazz guitars. Recently, he unveiled his new, nylon-string model and Comins/Alessandro jazz guitar amplifier.

Rick Davis
http://www.vtguitars.com/

According to Rick Davis, it’s the cooperation between musician and artisan that gives an instrument its personal, unique touch. His pieces—handcrafted steel-string guitars—are built like all Running Dog guitars, by respecting proven traditional techniques and enhancing them with technology.

Sergei de Jonge
http://www.dejongeguitars.com/

Balancing structure and classical elegance in the pursuit of superior tone, Sergei de Jonge is recognized as a master craftsman. He began his career apprenticing with Jean Larrivee and for the past 36 years has consistently built instruments of the highest caliber. Innovation plays an important role in the evolution of his guitars; each crafted to best suit the distinctive needs of the individual player. Sergei french polishes all of his instruments, achieving the finest finish while improving tone with all natural ingredients. Sergei dedicates much of his time to passing on his knowledge through the guitar making courses he teaches.  It is a testament to his ability that many of his former students have established themselves as successful luthiers.

Charles Fox
http://www.charlesfoxguitars.com/

Pioneer American guitar maker Charles Fox’s 40 years of experience have earned him an international reputation as a luthier, designer, consultant, and educator. His original design concepts and building techniques have been adopted by manufacturers and luthiers around the world. In 2002, Charles Fox Guitars moved to Portland, OR where Charles continues to build custom steel string, classical and electric guitars for a worldwide clientele of musicians and collectors in his one-man shop.

Oskar Graf
http://www.grafguitars.com/

With around 400 instruments to his credit, Oskar Graf has solid lutherie experience! Inspired by the European tradition, he makes, with unsurpassed attention to detail, guitars with faultless lines and irrefutable elegance.

Michael Greenfield
http://www.greenfieldguitars.com/

Guitars made by Michael Greenfield, which are specifically adapted to the needs of all breeds of guitarist, regardless of musical style, offer a myriad of sound, colour and texture possibilities. His creations (archtop jazz guitars with steel or nylon strings) thrill the greatest names in music, including Pat Martino and Keith Richards.

Peter Hopkins
http://www.hopkinsguitars.com/

According to the big-name store Buffalo Bros. Guitars and Downbeat Magazine, Peter Hopkins’ guitars, with their impeccable design and perfect resonance, rank among the best on the market, especially his creations: the Contessa and the Monarch.

Michael Lewis
http://www.michaellewisinstruments.com/

When his work caught the attention of D’Angelico Guitars (to the point that he alone has had the right to use the New York luthier’s name since his death), Michael Lewis was hired to produce replicas of their famous archtop jazz guitars.

Linda Manzer
http://www.manzer.com

Linda Manzer has decidedly changed the face of lutherie with her revolutionary concepts, like the body of the Wedge guitar, and the sitar and harp guitars, including the 42-string Pikasso guitar. Adopted by musicians such as Pat Metheny, Bruce Cockburn and Carlos Santana, her models are also on display at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Museum of Civilization... and the MGS!

John Monteleone
http://www.monteleone.net/

Considered one of the best luthiers in the world, John Monteleone revealed some of his masterpieces, including a small travel guitar, Il Bambino; the Rocket, an 18” archtop guitar; and the Grand Artist mandolin, a rare piece equipped with a Side-SoundTM system.

Tom Ribbecke
http://www.ribbecke.com/

In addition to making his guitars in his California workshop, Tom Ribbecke, teaches the art of the archtop and is involved in just about everything that has to do with lutherie! One of his pieces is the Duet, an acclaimed guitar made in collaboration with another famous artisan, Linda Manzer.

Ervin Somogyi
http://www.esomogyi.com/

Ervin Somogyi has been making guitars for more than 40 years and is one of the most prominent and highly respected of first-generation American luthiers.  He is known internationally, through both his exemplary guitarmaking and his decades-long career as lecturer, designer, teacher, and author of dozens of articles on all aspects of instrument making and history. He is planning to bring along two completed steel-string guitars, as well as some samples of current (but unfinished) work, for display.

Jeff Traugott
http://www.traugottguitars.com/

The guitars of Californian Jeff Traugott, with their classic lines and natural elegance, are designed as the perfect complement to musicians’ needs. Thus unique, they express this luthier’s desire to attain the highest standards in his art, as witnessed in his superb R model, crafted from Brazilian rosewood and German spruce.