Murray Kuun Luthier

She cleans up quite nicely.

#kuntasch #archtopguitar #jazz #GuitarDesignLab #murraykuun #design #guitargram #guitarreveal #ferrari #guitarmaking #guitarcollectors #lutherie

KOLS (Kuun Optimised Lattice Soundboard) — a subtle refinement where carefully removing a little weight between the lattice spars enhances responsiveness without sacrificing strength, achieving a beautifully balanced voice that bridges classical warmth and contemporary clarity

Original instruments born one by one,
Not on production lines.
Extraordinary efforts to maximise pure sonic potential.

Original instruments born one by one,
Not on production lines.
Extraordinary efforts to maximise pure sonic potential.

#25thanniversary electric, electric.

#GuitarDesignLab
#murraykuun
#design
#guitarist
#guitargram
#guitarmaking
#guitarcollectors

When Is It Art?
It’s art when the music goes beyond the notes—when it moves, speaks, and stays with you.
When the instrument helps that happen—shaped not just to look or sound right, but to say something.
Made with care, played with feeling.
That’s when it becomes more than craft.

When Is It Art?

It’s art when it’s not just made to match—but to mean.
When the maker shapes sound with intent, not imitation.
When the player finds not just notes, but a voice.
Then it’s more than function. It’s expression. Unrepeatable.

#beatle_grand_acoustic
Here come old flat-top, he come groovin' up slowly
He got ju-ju eyeball, he one holy roller
He got hair down to his knee
Got to be a joker, he just do what he please.
#acoustic #oneofakind #guitares #guitarreveal #guitargram #coolguitar #luthier #lutherie #GuitarDesignLab

Some prefer the steady comfort of mass production, or individually made instruments following familiar forms and recipes.
Others seek the quiet soul of a one-off—shaped by hand, intent, and imagination.
This instrument wasn't made on a production line but with a clear line of thought.

Beamed down from a distant galaxy—or maybe just my workshop.
This sculptural electric is proof that music isn’t bound to Earthly tradition.
Alien in shape, but built for human hands.
Sound, soul, and otherworldly design.

#alienguitar #luthiery #futureform #handmadeinstrument #artandmusic

#africandream
One of my #25thanniversary headless models

#reveal #unboxing #guitar #design by #murraykuun #luthier #guitarmaking #guitares #coolguitar #guitargram #GuitarDesignLab

A rare 7 string multi scale slimline nylon from my past.

#classicalguitar #GuitarDesignLab #murraykuun #design #7string #guitarmaking #lutherie #luthier

I’ve never been able to make/design a stock-standard archtop—even though I know it would probably be better for sales. But with so many talented makers already doing that beautifully, I feel there’s more value in exploring the space between tradition and tomorrow.

Design work shaped by terroir—not only of materials, but of memory, place, and the hand of the maker.

One of my 25th lutherie anniversary pieces.

#guitardesignlab #guitarmaking #guitargram #luthier #coolguitar #guitartok #guitarreveal

Worlds apart—chalk and cheese. My last jazzy archtop, #kuuntasch, and the next contemporary voice now taking shape.

#GuitarDesignLab #murraykuun_design #guitargram #guitarmaking #coolguitar #guitarreveal #guitarcollectors #guitartok #lutherie #luthier

Just your common garden variety😊.
Design work shaped by terroir—not only of materials, but of memory, place, and the hand of the maker.”

#electric #guitar #GuitarDesignLab #coolguitar #sculptural #michaelangelo #guitarporn #guitargram #guitarmaking #lutherie #luthier

The original African Dream came to life nearly a decade ago. Now, to mark 25 years of my journey in lutherie, the 2025 Anniversary Model is taking shape—featuring kiaat tonebars and a Korina core. As always, no concessions are made to the world of mass production.

Available #oneofakind instruments to musicians who are inspired by originality.

#guitardesignlab #murraykuun_design #guitarmaking #guitargram #lutherie #luthier #coolguitar #guitarporn #guitartok #guitarreveal #violin #mandolin #ukulele #guitar

I make no apologies for creating non-traditional violins, cellos, and related instruments. While the classic violin family is sonically near perfect, its design leaves room for ergonomic and aesthetic rethinking.

Introducing my newest violin, "violon d'Afrique" — crafted entirely from African kiaat wood.
With a lifetime of exploring diverse instrument designs and materials, I’ve never believed that tradition alone should dictate material choice.

I've been using this soundhole design—my own creation—for years. Delighted to see it's now available from other fine makers too😆.

#GuitarDesignLab #murraykuun_design #coolguitar #handmade #guitargram #guitarporn #guitarmaking #luthery #luthier

@wicksimmons extraordinary #cellist with his #murraykuun_cello. Thanks a mil.

#murraykuun_design #handmade #cello #cool #design #bach #highdesign

A pair of #kuunbros original design basses in good company with a Miro—looking for the right hands to bring them to life.

#Lutherie #luthier #handcrafted #guitaristsofinstagram #guitarmaking #guitargram #guitarporn #coolguitar #bass #guitar

First official photo session for the new acoustic #zahara_mandolin—an ergonomic design crafted with a high proportion of African materials. My first design priority is always sound quality, while I also strive for an instrument that stands apart from the typical.

The Zahara mandolin is now complete! Early impressions suggest a beautifully resonant voice—warm, expressive, and equally at home in classical, jazz, or bluegrass. Other than the fretboard and tuners, every element is crafted from African materials, honoring both tradition and innovation.

...the instrument is just incredible... such a fine piece of artistry, I feel a bit like I'm smearing my fingers all over a Rembrandt. I was able to sit and play for a bit last night and it's everything I want out of a guitar, it's somehow revealing elements of my playing I never knew were there....

Design for a 45 degree wall-mount bracket for guitars and small instruments. Here, with my #opus_archtop design.

#GuitarDesignLab #murraykuun_design #coolguitar #guitarporn #guitarmaking #guitarstand

Kuun evolution (through 20 years) bracing by student Mike. Too much moisture in the air to actually glue it though.