Tag Archives: luthier

Lava Drops Guitars – Luthier Rapolas Gražys – Creating Musical Art Pieces Inspired by Nature

Rapolas Grazys, Lava Drops Guitars – Creating Musical Art Pieces Inspired by Nature.

Luthier, Rapolas Gražys

“I believe that through the sound and resonance of the musical instrument, humans can directly connect with nature and be inspired.”

Rapolas Grazys is a creator who is always seeking to find new possibilities. He was born in Vilnius, Lithuania, and grew up in an artist family that deeply inspired him with contemporary art. However, his attention went to product design, music, technology, and materials. He graduated with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in product design and has been trying to incorporate guitars into his life ever since.

Rapolas Grazys is two times winner of the global and most prestigious Red Dot Design Award for Lava Drops creations. His works are constantly presented in worldwide art, design, music, and jewelry exhibitions.

Lava Drops Guitars / Infinite Graphite Drop

Playing guitar since childhood and his passion for design and music eventually led him to create musical instruments.
Grazys’ building philosophy is heavily inspired by nature, and he believes that through the sound and resonance of a musical instrument, humans can directly connect with nature and be inspired. He is deeply inspired by nature and modern technologies and uses materials never used in musical instrument making. Grazys’ guitar creations are made from materials such as 50 million years old black amber, meteorites, aircraft-grade aluminum, rare and sustainable wood, and different kinds of stones and gemstones.

“I select the best possible materials that transform their emotions and experiences into Lava Drops creations.”


Grazys has specialized in industrial and one-of-a-kind product creation, high-end audio, musical instruments, and conceptual, interactive installations. He has taught design to students and is currently leading the most prominent private art school in Lithuania, where they teach people art with no limits.

“I am creating Lava Drops Guitars and, at the same time, leading the most prominent private Art School in Lithuania, where we teach people art with no limits.”

Grazys does not label himself a luthier but rather a creator who is always seeking new ways to find new possibilities. He creates one-of-a-kind instruments that tell stories of people.

The Black Amber Drop
The Black Amber Drop

His inspiration always drives him to test new materials and find ways to connect different types of them to reach new prospects and sonic possibilities with functional design.


“I believe that through the sound and resonance of the musical instrument, humans can directly connect with nature and be inspired.”

YouTuber, Darrell Braun, checks out one of Rapolas’ guitars.


Grazys’ signature style is minimalistic, and he creates collectible, functional musical art pieces. He shapes each guitar as an actual drop, which gives ergonomic benefits. The Lava Drops guitar shape represents his work and sets his guitars apart from others. Grazys has created four models, including the Lava Bass Drops and the electric Violin – Lava Vio Drop.

“I try to balance the simplicity and the essence with some spices of the material and design aspects.


Grazys believes that creating instruments is like being a chef in the kitchen.


“Putting an extra sauce could dramatically change the meal, but sometimes keeping the meal simple makes the taste shine.”


Grazys balances his craft’s creative and technical aspects by continuously learning and applying new techniques to his creations. Grazys’ challenges are time-consuming and require dedication like the Black Amber Drops crafted from 50 million years old melted black amber or connecting hardwoods with aircraft-grade aluminum.


“In my field, I always need to learn new things through a lot of tests and attempts.”


Grazys draws inspiration from nature, modern technologies, architecture, modern art, and everyday life. Inspiration is everywhere, and he uses it accordingly to create new and innovative instruments.


“Inspiration is everywhere – you just need to see it and use it accordingly.”


Rapolas Grazys is a creator who is always seeking new ways to find new possibilities. His passion for music, design, and materials has driven him to create one-of-a-kind musical art pieces that connect people with nature through sound and resonance. Grazys’ unique approach to guitar making, shaped like a drop, gives ergonomic benefits and creates a signature style that sets his instruments apart. Grazys balances simplicity with material and design aspects, creating collectible and functional art pieces. Through
his work, Grazys continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in guitar-making and inspire others to see the possibilities in their craft.

Lava Drops Guitars Hollow Flamed Maple Drop
Rapolas Grazys foto by Dovaldė Butėnaitė

Visit Lava Drops Guitars’ home page here

Lava Drops Guitars YouTube

Lava Drops Guitars Facebook

Article was written by Andreas Valdivia¨ for VintageandRare.com

V&R demoes of the Teuffel Antonio

V&R demoes of the Teuffel Antonio

V&R demoes the Teuffel Antonio built by German luthier Ulrich Teuffel.

The Antonio model is Ulrich´s own quote to a part of the guitar history. A breed between an Antonio Torres and Antonio Stradivari.

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TLL Guitars for sale

Holy Grail Guitar Show 2018 Picture Gallery

VINTAGE & RARE AT THE HOLY GRAIL GUITAR SHOW 2018

V&R just got back home from the Holy Grail Guitar Show which once again took place in the beautiful city of Berlin. As a bonus, this edition we had a stunning weather, which seemed to have made the overall vibe of the show even better!

We shot a good amount of video interviews and demos in our hotel room, which we converted into a video studio for the occasion, keeping our team working almost 24/7.

What is HGGS?

For those who are not familiar with it, the Holy Grail Guitar Show is an event targeted to guitar enthusiasts focused on high quality handbuilt instruments, featuring builders from all around the world since it’s first edition in 2014. No matter what type of guitar player you are, or what type of guitar you like, you are guaranteed to find something for you at the Holy Grail Guitar Show. Acoustics, electrics, archtops, classicals, basses, just any type of guitar you can imagine all had one main thing in common: SUPERB QUALITY & INNOVATION 

To be honest, this has probably been the best edition so far. One great thing about this show is the calm and peaceful atmosphere at all times. As opposed to many other shows around the world, electric guitars are only being played in dedicated booths, avoiding a big cluster of guitarists trying to play louder than their neighbours simultaneously, creating a cacophony that starts to become painful after just a few minutes of navigating around stands.

Throughout the show, many demo concerts took place on a welcoming and intimate stage, allowing attendants to focus on the quality and sound of these handmade instruments. This really does make for a more enjoyable and less exhausting show to attend, making it easier for builders, dealers and customers to focus on their deals. As you would expect from an event taking place in Germany, the organization was nothing but outstanding, making it probably the best organized guitar show in the EU. We simply cannot recommend this show enough!

Shortly, we will upload footage of the show, including more photos, videos and interviews with some great luthiers!

What do we think of the 2018 show?

We think this was probably the best Holy Grail show so far. It feels like this has become one of the best (if not the best) organized guitar shows in EU and we are very proud to have supported and been with them on this amazing journey from the first show. We are happy to spend the time, resources and energy as Premium Sponsors for the show – for the second time. This is truly one of our favourite guitar shows in the world. This year had such a great atmosphere and vibe. And the fantastic sunny weather was the cherry on the cake.

World’s finest instruments

If you are musical instrument aficionado and fan of handmade guitars this is the must-go-to show in EU.

V&R founder,  SoMe & Marketing talk

Our founder did a lecture on Social Media and Marketing for builders and music industry folks on the EGB Symposium before the show. Sharing our knowledge and helping out is an essential part of our involvement in the show.

Check out our picture gallery below and feel free to let us know in the comment section below

See you next time!

Spalt Instruments

Spalt Instruments Holy Grail Guitar Show 2018 Picture Gallery

Spalt Instruments

Spalt Instruments

 

Ruokangas Guitars Emma Maria archtop

Ruokangas Guitars Emma Marie archtop for sale

Ruokangas Guitars Emma Maria archtop

Ruokangas Guitars Emma Marie archtop for sale

Ruokangas Guitars Emma Maria archtop

Ruokangas Guitars

 

Ruokangas Guitars

Ruokangas Guitars

Ruokangas Guitars

Ruokangas Guitars

Ruokangas Guitars

Ruokangas Guitars

Ruokangas Guitars

Ruokangas Guitars

Ruokangas Guitars

Ruokangas Guitars

 

TLL Guitars for sale

TLL Guitars

TLL Guitars for sale

TLL Guitars

TLL Guitars for sale

TLL Guitars

TLL Guitars for sale

TLL Guitars

TLL Guitars for sale

TLL Guitars

Ruokangas Guitars Emma Marie archtop

Jersey Girl Homemade Guitars

Jersey Girl Homemade Guitars

Jersey Girl Homemade Guitars

Jersey Girl Homemade Guitars

Jersey Girl Homemade Guitars

Jersey Girl Homemade Guitars

Jersey Girl Homemade Guitars

Jersey Girl Homemade Guitars

Jersey Girl Homemade Guitars

Jersey Girl Homemade Guitars

Jersey Girl Homemade Guitars

Jersey Girl Homemade Guitars

Jersey Girl Homemade Guitars

Jersey Girl Homemade Guitars

Jersey Girl Homemade Guitars

Jersey Girl Homemade Guitars

iVee Guitars

iVee Guitars

iVee Guitars

iVee Guitars

iVee Guitars

iVee Guitars

iVee Guitars

iVee Guitars

iVee Guitars

iVee Guitars

Kauer Guitars

Kauer Guitars

Kauer Guitars

Kauer Guitars

Kauer Guitars

Kauer Guitars

Kauer Guitars

Kauer Guitars

Titan Guitars

Titan Guitars (Kauer sub brand)

Kauer Guitars Super Chief

Kauer Guitars Super Chief

Teuffel Guitars

Teuffel Guitars

Teuffel Guitars

Teuffel Guitars

Teuffel Guitars

Teuffel Guitars

Teuffel Guitars

Ezequiel Galasso & Adriano Sergio

Ezequiel Galasso & Adriano Sergio

Nik Huber, Ulrich Teuffel and Thomas

Nik Huber, Ulrich Teuffel and Thomas

Thomas from Ergon Guitars

Thomas guitar demonstrator for Ergon Guitars

Vincent Baills

Vincent Baills from Vintage & Rare

Ezequiel Galasso and Adriano Sergio

Ezequiel Galasso and Adriano Sergio

Ezequiel Galasso

Mad Professor – Ezequiel Galasso 🙂

Kari Nieminen / Versoul Guitars

Kari Nieminen / Versoul Guitars

Saku Vuoren

Saku Vuoren from Vuorensaku Guitars

Thorsten Hans

Thorsten Hans from Hans Guitars

Red Layer Guitars

Red Layer Guitars

Red Layer Guitars

Red Layer Guitars

H Guitars for sale

H Guitars

H Guitars for sale

H Guitars

H Guitars for sale

H Guitars

Bassart Guitars

Bassart Guitars

Bassart Guitars

Bassart Guitars

Bassart Guitars

Bassart Guitars

M.O.V. Guitars

M.O.V. Guitars

M-tone Handmade Guitars

M-tone Handmade Guitars

Lutherie Gervais

Lutherie Gervais

Lutherie Gervais

Lutherie Gervais

Lutherie Gervais

Lutherie Gervais

Stevens Custom Guitars Kozlik & Zirnbauer

Stevens Custom Guitars Kozlik & Zirnbauer

Stevens Custom Guitars Kozlik & Zirnbauer

Stevens Custom Guitars Kozlik & Zirnbauer

Stevens Custom Guitars Kozlik & Zirnbauer

Stevens Custom Guitars Kozlik & Zirnbauer

Stevens Custom Guitars Kozlik & Zirnbauer

Stevens Custom Guitars Kozlik & Zirnbauer

Stevens Custom Guitars Kozlik & Zirnbauer

Stevens Custom Guitars Kozlik & Zirnbauer

Fant Guitars

Fant Guitars

Fant Guitars

Fant Guitars

Fant Guitars

Fant Guitars

Malinoski Guitars

Malinoski Guitars

Malinoski Guitars

Malinoski Guitars

Malinoski Guitars

Malinoski Guitars

Malinoski Guitars

Malinoski Guitars

Claas Guitars Alexander Claas

Claas Guitars / Alexander Claas

Claas Guitars Alexander Claas

Claas Guitars / Alexander Claas

Claas Guitars Alexander Claas

Claas Guitars / Alexander Claas

Cyanguitars

Cyanguitars

Cyanguitars

Cyanguitars

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 






Boutique Guitar Showcase Copenhagen 2017 Gallery

On the 15th of oct. 2017 Vintage & Rare hosted the Boutique Showcase in Copenhagen. The event was held in Vibe Factory Recording Studios with unique and fine handmade instruments on display from Di Donato Guitars, Donovan Leah Guitars, Ergon Guitars, James Trussart Guitars, Kauer Guitars, Klein Community, Marleaux BassGuitars, McSwain Guitars, MOVGuitars, Sankey Guitars, Spalt Instruments, Tausch Electric Guitars, Teye Guitars, Wild Customs, Deimel Guitarworks, Diego Vila Guitarras y, Bajos Custom, Turnstone Guitar Company, AC Guitars, Leo Guitars.

Hope to see you again next year when we roll out a new guitarshow in Copenhagen with unique and handmade guitars.

Below is a gallery of pictures from the show.

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Kopo Guitars Linen Fiber L1 Ouessant Acoustic Guitar

Holy Grail Guitar Show in Berlin marks an annual highlight for hand built guitars & basses from luthiers from all over the world. And this year was no exception.

It has been on our scope for years to get an interview with Fred on camera – and this year we finally managed to sit down with him and talk guitars and guitar building.

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Dubré Guitars JMT Custom Thomas Andersson Grøn Koncert 2016

Guitar player extraordinaire, Thomas Andersson, contacted us before his summer tour 2016 with an interesting custom guitar project for this specific tour.

We met up with luthier Pierre Dubré aka Dubré Guitars and came up with a JM design based on Telecaster hardware specs with bindings. We named this specific guitar JMT Custom.

On the pics below you can see Thomas play the JMT Custom on Grøn Koncert 2016 with artist; Nik & Jay.

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Vintage Vibe, Master Built Magic, and Cheap Cool

Vintage Vibe, Master Built Magic, and Cheap Cool

By Sophie Dockx

Three to go

At one time I had three Strats in my workshop: a 1963 sunburst worth 9.000 Euros, A 2001 white Custom Shop, master-built by John English, worth 5600 Euros, a 2004 Mexican ‘Buddy Guy’ signature strat, worth 600 Euros.

They all needed a fret leveling job, and they all needed new strings and a proper set-up.

All three are built to exactly the same design, and they all had alder bodies, and Maple necks. They were all fitted with three single coil pickups each, and sported a vintage-style Fender Synchronized tremolo bridge The Buddy Guy had a maple fretboard, the two others had rosewood fretboards.

Which one did I like the most? Not an easy question to answer, since I am four ‘I’s.

I like listening to guitar playing, I like playing guitar myself, I like teaching guitar, and I like working on guitars. To each guitar, I am audience, user, instructor, and caregiver.

Each guitar that comes in, gets plugged into the dry channel of my Roland Jazz Chorus.

It is not the most musical of amps, but it is plain honest. Tube amps are instruments in their own right, that is why I find it difficult to distinguish between the sound of the guitar, and that of the amp. It is like tasting a Frankfurter, wrapped in a bun, embedded in tasty Sauerkraut and with French mustard on top. You can say you had a great hotdog, but you can’t really say much about the Frankfurter inside it, that way, right?

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Mirabella Guitars interview Holy Grail Guitar Show 2015

Interview w. Cristian Mirabella at Holy Grail Guitar Show 2015.

We had the pleasure of meeting up with luthier, Cristian Mirabella, of Mirabella Guitars from New York in Berlin during Holy Grail Guitar Show 2015. On this video Cristian tells us a little bit about the history around him as a builder and also tells us a bit about one of this unique creations that he brought to the show. Guitarplayer, Ratko Zjaca, was kind to lend his time to demo the guitar.

“Mirabella Guitars and Restorations specializes in the creation of fine stringed instruments, the recreation of exact reproduction vintage pick guards and parts, as well as custom one of a kind parts and inlay work.” 

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