Luthier-Artist Collaboration: A Graphic Guitar

We are thrilled to introduce a unique collaboration between two talents from Tarn: François, an innovative luthier based in Castres, trained at the National School of Lutherie in Quebec, Canada and Marie (a.k.a. Jane Elwis), a graphic artist from Graulhet who creates abstract designs and explores many different artistic techniques. Together, they managed to bring their worlds together to create a series of exceptional guitars. The Project: A Fusion of Two Worlds We intend to create a series of five unique and original guitars, each one combining the talents and visions of Marie and François. The first guitar in this series was completed in 2023 and has been showcased at several renowned guitar exhibitions, including those in Paris, Toulouse, Marseille, and Issoudun. Marie’s drawings, characterized by abstract forms evoking nature and order, perfectly complement the precise curves and silhouettes crafted by François. This alliance of art and technical precision results in instruments that are both visually captivating and acoustically remarkable. Features and Innovations Artisanal Craftsmanship : Each guitar is crafted by François in his workshop in Castres. Use of Local Wood : We prioritize European wood species to minimize our ecological footprint and support the local wood industry. François avoids using ebony or rosewood in his workshop as it is currently impossible to ensure the ethical or sustainable sourcing of these species. The bodies are made from alder, walnut, or cherry, the necks from walnut or maple, and the fingerboard from serviceberry, a wood related to the pear family. Customization : The guitar comes standard with Gotoh tuners and Mojotone Humbucker pickups. However, buyers can choose to install different tuners or pickups to suit their preferences. Creation Process : François designed a guitar model to offer Marie the broadest possible canvas for her drawings. Once the body and neck are shaped and ready for lacquer, they are sealed with a primer coat and handed over to Marie for her to apply her personal touch. The graphic styles are defined and approved in advance (colours, shapes) to match the texture and colour of the wood, but the creation allows for spontaneous inspiration to ensure each piece is unique. The customized parts are then returned to François for a protective coat of finish, and final assembly. Environmental Impact : We are committed to using locally sourced wood. It allows us to decrease the carbon footprint of the guitar, and support the local chain of supply for quality, instrument-grade, tonewoods. Why Support Us? By supporting us, you are contributing to an innovative project. A marriage between art and lutherie. Your support helps us promote local craftsmanship while enabling musicians to express themselves through unique instruments.

Who Are We? François (Madeguitars) : François trained at the National School of Lutherie in Quebec. After graduating with honours and receiving a scholarship for excellence, he returned to France to perfect his creations in his workshop in Castres. His goal is to continually improve the design of his guitars, making them visually compelling and achieving exceptional sound performance. Inspired by research from the National School of Lutherie and the influence of avant-garde luthiers, his work is distinctive for its refined aesthetics and meticulous precision. Every detail is carefully crafted to ensure the best sound quality, ergonomics and playability. Marie (Jane Elwis) : Working from Graulhet, Marie exposed her work in various places around Tarn and has explored diverse worlds through her collaborations with local artists. She works on a multitude of mediums and sees the world as a blank canvas ready to be transformed. Marie gives new life to old objects by upcycling them, giving them a new artistic dimension. Her art is characterized abstract drawings that blend organic and structured shapes, creating a harmonious balance between order and nature. She explores various techniques as part of her reinvention. How we met In 2022, our paths crossed at the Ateliers in Castres during the Open Arts festival. Marie exhibited her creations and was live drawing on two skateboard decks. The graphic universe struck a chord with François, who immediately imagined having it on his guitars. This meeting sparked an idea: a unique collaboration to create one-of-a-kind musical instruments that are both works of art and functional objects.