Deep in the Paraoanui Valley, Mangonui in the far north of the North Island is the home and workshop of luthier of distinction, Laurie Williams whose passion is producing hand crafted acoustic guitars. Since his first guitar building experience in 1993, Laurie has been patiently practicing and perfecting his craft and today is responsible for some of the best handmade acoustic guitars in the world.

In the case of Laurie, the craft of the luthier is all encompassing; spending years on selecting the best available tonewood and compiling a significant stock through what some would consider unorthodox means. For the last 25 years Laurie’s focus has been on building high end acoustic guitars predominantly from indigenous New Zealand tree species such as Kauri, Rimu, Totara and Tanekaha and now has an intimate comprehension of the individual qualities of each wood type and how best they can serve him. Furthermore, all of his wood is acquired in a totally sustainable way – much of it is riverwood, logs that have been salvaged from rivers, trees that have been preserved by immersion in peat and the occasional felling of a single tree from sustainable sources.

From collecting, cutting, storing, drying and eventually working with the wood to create such fine acoustic guitars it is plain to see that each individual instrument that Laurie creates truly is a work of passion, that matches exceptional tonal qualities with unique and sensational looks that reflect the levels of care and attention poured into each creation.

Alongside the LJ Williams Signature Series of handmade acoustic guitars for sale, featuring ancient Kauri neck, back and sides, are the Tui and Kiwi guitars. The Tui, made with all solid tonewoods has a dynamic range and may be best suited to an experienced player whilst the Kiwi, a similar but slightly smaller version has an emphasis on the mid-range but is just as expressive as its larger counterpart. If you are looking for an exquisitely finished finger style hand made acoustic guitar, then the immaculate Tui may serve you well. Additionally, Laurie produces his signature electric guitar, constructed from riverwood as well as the Hihi, a tenor ukelele of incomparable quality that is very much at home with this collection of concert quality acoustic guitars.

As a truly committed artisan, Laurie individually hand crafts every instrument to pass through his workshop and will be happy to discuss your request for a custom-made acoustic guitar, should you desire something other than those in regular production. Whether you are a professional, playing to discerning audiences or simply an enthusiast that enjoys playing simply for the pleasure it affords, your experience will undoubtedly be enhanced when you pick up a top end, hand crafted to order acoustic guitar produced by the skilled hands of Laurie Williams.

Created in the wilderness of the North Island, New Zealand, Laurie’s hand made acoustic guitars are in demand in USA, England, Germany and other parts of Europe – and delivery around the world is free on larger orders.