Garrett Lee, Luthier

03/01/2026

I had a memorable time interviewing legendary guitarist Ben Verdery for Lutherie Demystified. In Part I, Ben recounts his relationships with some of the most influential luthiers of the modern era. In Part II, he offers sage advice for players and luthiers.
Part I: https://youtu.be/uIgsqXf3mhc
Part II: https://youtu.be/OkkqR_tTrvw

02/10/2026

I build my rosettes in a sacrificial piece of wood and then transfer them to the soundboard.

02/07/2026

A dynamite performance and crowd at Jason Vieaux's concert hosted by the New York City Classical Guitar Society.

01/28/2026

What a privilege to work with the most perfect set of African blackwood that I've ever encountered. I bought this set back in 2011.

01/23/2026

You can never have too many clamps.

11/18/2025

Here's part 1 of a fascinating conversation I had with guitar icon Ben Verdery. Ben talks about his relationship with guitars and some legendary luthiers, including Tom Humphrey, John Gilbert and Greg Smallman.

In part 1 of this interview, I have a conversation with guitarist, composer and educator Ben Verdery, who discusses his relationship with guitars and guitar ...

10/28/2025

It was a memorable experience at the University of Rhode Island Guitar and Mandolin Festival. The Luthier Expo, curated by Gef Fisher, was a priceless chance to exchange ideas with gifted colleagues, including my housemate Kenny Hill, Gef Fisher, Toby Rzepka, Kevin Muiderman and Marshall Brune.

10/26/2025

I had the privilege to present this talk at the 2025 Univ. of Rhode Island Guitar and Mandolin Festival and LuthierCon 2024. It's about how sound is shaped in guitars and why different guitars sound different from one another. I've recreated the talk in this video for you.

Lutherie Demystified is a video series hosted by Garrett Lee that explores the world of classical guitar building--from techniques and theory to commentary a...

10/18/2025

My talk is ready for the Univ. of Rhode Island Guitar and Mandolin Festival, Sat. Oct 25 at 10:30 AM. I can't wait for the week to come! https://www.urigmfest.org/

10/09/2025

Coming to NYC October 17th

The New York City Classical Guitar Society

09/16/2025

Fun after hours hang in Matt Rubendall's Workshop after LuthierCon 2025. Ryan Bagg, Gohar Vardanyan, Brian Itzkin, Matt Rubendall, Matt Kaplan and Alan Liu.

09/11/2025

Join us this Saturday in Brooklyn for this unique event.

We’re thrilled to share the full schedule for LuthierCon 2025, taking place this Saturday, September 13, at the Brooklyn Army Terminal.

🕥 Doors open at 10:30 AM
🎸 Sessions begin at 11:00 AM
☕️ Coffee and bagels will be on offer when you arrive.

The day opens with a workshop on guitar intonation led by master luthier Garrett Lee, and concludes with a performance by the internationally acclaimed Newman & Oltman Guitar Duo, followed by a raffle.

In between: performances, Q&As, lunch, and plenty of time to connect with the community, and to play guitars. Huge thanks to our generous sponsors for making it all possible!

📍 Full schedule + tickets at the link in bio or at BKCGS.org/luthiercon.