Inspired by the beauty and song of the forest
Insight into Laurie Williams, Luthier.
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 and other acoustic stringed instruments. Building professionally since 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.
For over 30 years, Laurie’s focus has been on building high end acoustic instruments. For Laurie, the craft of the luthier is all encompassing; starting with the selection of the logs, through to milling, resawing and drying all his current stock.
He has spent years selecting the best available tonewood and personally compiling a significant stock of indigenous New Zealand tree species such as Kauri, Rimu, Totara, Tanekaha, Matai, and Kahikatea, and has an intimate understanding of the individual qualities of each wood type and how best they can serve him in creating a masterpiece of tone.
Furthermore, all of his wood is acquired in a completely sustainable way – much of it is riverwood, logs that have been salvaged from rivers. Some is from trees that have been preserved by immersion in peat, and other stock comes from a handful of trees felled under the sustainable resource act of New Zealand.
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 Laurie creates truly is a work of passion, that matches exceptional tonal qualities with unique and sensational woods that reflect the levels of care and attention poured into each creation.
But it’s not just the passion and craftsmanship that deliver these tremendously melodic instruments, it’s also Laurie’s love of physics from his university days that is also evident. Laurie’s understanding of how to enhance and produce resonant frequencies from visually stunning tonewoods with varying densities and flex is second to none. Once you play one of his guitars, you’ll understand why.
As a truly committed artisan, Laurie individually 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 an enthusiast who 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 Williams’ hand-made acoustic guitars are played all around the world.