These Lone Star luthiers don’t just play Texas guitars — they make ’em.
If you had to pick one instrument to embody the musical spirit of Texas, it would have to be the guitar. Texas guitars belong to some of the greatest musicians in the world, from Paul Simon to Lyle Lovett. Here, a trio of makers from Houston to Austin we think are worth your musical while.
Marchione Guitars
Since 1990, Houston-based craftsman Stephen Marchione has produced more than 400 custom guitars (acoustic, electric archtops, and semi-hollow) and violins for some of the greatest players in the world. With a description that declares the instruments “seductive, transparent, and perpetually enticing,” it’s no wonder guitarists like Erich Avinger, Mike Moreno, and the legendary Paul Simon took interest.
Collings Guitars
This Austin-based shop puts its focus on acoustic guitars. With a base price of $3,000, you can expect big sound and supreme quality. Listing all of the artists who can testify wouldn’t be practical, so we’ll name check just a few: George Strait, Lyle Lovett, and Robert Earl Keen — Texans all. Need we say more?
Copeland Guitars
The underground indie world knows about this gem of a guitar-maker based in Austin. With their signature scorched finish, aka “Painted With Fire,” and personalized sound, the guitars have drawn the attention of bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, The Twilight Sad, Frightened Rabbit, and solo artists like Shane Cole and Mike Vennart.
Photography (From top): Courtesy Collings Guitars, courtesy Marchione Guitars
From the July 2019 issue.