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José Marques — Guitar Luthier
José Marques, a Portuguese luthier with deep roots in carpentry and music, stands out on the international scene for building high-performance classical guitars, especially his innovations in double top guitars.
Founder of José Marques Custom Guitars, he combines traditional techniques with modern acoustic approaches, creating instruments that balance power, sonic nuance and artisanal beauty.
He began his career as a carpenter at the age of 14, acquiring essential skills in working with wood. Later, he became an apprentice to luthier Daniel Luz, specializing in the construction of instruments such as the Portuguese guitar and the viola campaniça. - He is inspired by masters such as Antonio de Torres, Hermann Hauser, Gernot Wagner, Matthias Dammann, Dominique Field, to name a few, integrating historical techniques with contemporary innovations.
He lived in the United Kingdom (2014–2020), where he honed his skills in workshops, before settling in Cortiçois, Portugal, where he dedicated himself exclusively to luthiery.
José Marques is renowned for his double top guitars, which use two distinct approaches: 1. Nomex A hexagonal-structured polymer (originally from aviation), sandwiched between layers of cedar or spruce. It offers lightness, rigidity and sound consistency, while maintaining the traditional tonality. 2. Balsa An all-wood alternative, with a balsa core between two layers of cedar. Both provides dynamic response and powerful projection, ideal for concerts.
Sound Characteristics are Power and Volume Capable of projecting sound efficiently, even on large stages. Balance and Clarity, firm bass, bright highs and clear separation between notes. With a sensitive response, it reacts to subtle touches without losing the integrity of the sound under intensity.
Also the Lattice Hybrid guitars (using exclusively wood), that is, a lattice structure without carbon fiber, combining modern projection with traditional timbre.
Work Philosophy
José prioritizes customization, offering options such as: - Exotic or local woods, Brazilian Rosewood (with CITES certification), Macassar ebony, Cocobolo, flamed maple, etc.
Finishes Hand-polished French varnish, known as French polish, and handcrafted decorative details.
Customizable components like tuners client can choose from Der Jung , Barnett, Schaller, sheller or other tuners preferred by the customer, traditional or elevated fingerboard with carbon reinforcement, sound port with or without magnetic cover.
José Marques personifies the fusion between tradition and innovation. His guitars are not just instruments, but acoustic works of art, designed for demanding musicians seeking technical excellence and expressiveness. Each piece reflects decades of study, passion for wood and an unwavering commitment to sound quality.
"An instrument should be an extension of the artist — light to the touch, but infinite in possibilities."
Thank you
José Marques
You can listen some of the instruments in "videos"
If you would like to try my guitars, buy or know more about me please contact:
Phone:
+351 960 376 361
E-mail:
Cortiçois, Benfica do Ribatejo
Portugal
