Member Profile
Justin Montefiore Member 128
Australia’s newest Luthier is pushing the boundaries of guitar design and technology.
Justin Montefiore, who has recently opened his studio with his wife, Miranda Earle, at Lake Macquarie, combines his passions of sculpting and music to create guitars that push the boundaries of sound quality. Always looking for ways to enhance the sound and playability of the guitar, Justin says “ My aim is to create instruments that allow musicians to subtly experiment with the parameters of classical guitar and discover new possibilities ”.
Justin combines his two passions of sculpture and music to open up new avenues in instrument design. His sculpting skill has given Justin an understanding of timber and the skill to work and carve it. As the protégé of world-renowned guitar maker Peter Biffin (www.spikefiddle.com), Justin has an excellent knowledge of instrument acoustics.
“Anyone with a few woodworking skills can make a musical instrument, but to purposefully create a beautiful sounding and innovative instrument requires a vast knowledge of musical instruments and acoustics.” said Justin.
Aesthetically Justin describes his guitars as ‘spartan beauty’. “Everything you put on the timber of a guitar will alter the sound to some extent, I use sculpting and inlay not only for a little decoration but to enhance the acoustics of the instrument.” said Justin.
Justin’s goal is to use his unique abilities in instrument innovation to allow musicians greater self-expression. “The more intimate control over the sound that I can give the musician, the more of themselves they can express in their music.”
Contact: Justin Montefiore m: 0412 822 317 p: 0249 584 382 e:montefiore@optusnet.com.au
