Located on the fourth floor of the YoHo Artist Studios space is Ferrari Guitars, a custom guitar building workshop where luthier Al Ferrari handcrafts his own guitars, as well as offers 1-on-1 workshops for students to learn how to build their own dream guitar.
Ferrari started building guitars in 1999 in Italy. “I’m not a master player, but I play,” Ferrari describes what inspired him to start building was his own guitars. “I wanted something that wasn’t out there. I thought I could build something better, and I did.”
Believing that the instrument is an extension of the artist, Ferrari emphasizes the importance of building something that is unique to each player. “I want people to build their own,” Ferrari says. “It takes about 60-70 hours, evenings, one-on-one. What I make is what people wait a lifetime to own.”
And Ferrari isn’t exaggerating, each instrument is made of the best quality wood. He carefully handcrafts the finest tonewoods and sources optimal components from all over the world. Ferrari makes no exceptions in his work, even regarding the cost of the materials, which are often decreasing in availability. “Brazilian Rosewood was the best material, but now that it’s a protected species, it’s impossible to find. Indian rosewood is the next best, but that’s also getting harder to get. I’ve used Italian Alpine Spruce; two pieces of wood alone are $450. I use good American spruce for $100.”
His guitars are exceptional not only in their beautiful appearances, but in their high quality and playability. “At the end of the day, you’ll have something unique and special that will perform,” Ferrari says of his work. “Take care of it, and generations to come will have it. But it doesn’t need to be put in a glass menagerie.”
Al Ferrari not only offers the 1-on-1 workshops for creating a custom instrument, but he also has what he calls the “Ferrari Guitar Hospital,” where he provides pro setups, expert fretwork, and complete guitar repairs. He’ll also soon be expanding into offering weekend classes to work with guitar owners who want to set up their guitars, with his expert guidance.
To learn more about Al Ferrari’s work or inquire about a workshop class or repair work, contact him at Contact | Ferrari Guitars.
