Luthiers at 2024 Mountaingrass
Ray Black
Ray Black
A banjo or mandolin made by Ray Black is prized by musicians who have taken advantage of Ray’s forty years of experience and experimentation as a luthier. His 5 string and tenor banjos feature hardware fabricated and machined in his workshop; a range of tone rings, woods and finishes create the tone and look you want. His mandolins are built using hand carved Adirondack Spruce tops with Red Maple sides, backs, and necks.
I have picked a lot of great mandolins built by the best in the world and my Ray Black F5 stands up to all of them. It’s a real comfort to know that when I open that case, I’m taking out a great sounding instrument” – Pete Denahy.
Laurie Grundy
Laurie Grundy
Laurie Grundy is a master luthier, banjo and bass player from Victoria Australia who has played, crafted and repaired five string resonator banjos since 1976. Laurie has donated this year’s first prize in the ABOTMA raffle: a beautiful five string banjo which you can see here.
I’ve always believed that the pre-war classic era resonator banjo format is the best configuration for a bluegrass five string banjo and I build my instruments using that system – Laurie Grundy.
My new Grundy banjo is an amazing instrument. Its power – especially in the low end – still catches me by surprise, and that growl really blows me away. The amazing craftsmanship and attention to detail make a visually stunning instrument as well. To my ear it captures the prewar sound more than other banjos being made today – Jeff Scroggins.
Johan van der Gaag
Johan van der Gaag
Johan van der Gaag makes guitars, banjos, mandolins, dobro and Irish bouzoukis for those who love high quality in workmanship and sound. After donating the first prize of a banjo on the 2023 raffle Johan will be back at Mountaingrass this year and will have a selection of his instruments on display.
I always liked to work with my hands and had a love for music, this combined with the lovely timbers there are in New Zealand, I decided to specialize in guitars made from NZ woods. While I mainly use New Zealand timbers, like Kauri, Ancient Kauri, Taraire, Black Maire, Puriri, Puketea, Rewarewa and a few others, I also build with traditional timbers like Rosewood, Koa, Maple, and all the Spruces – Johan van der Gaag.
Joe Gallacher
Joe Gallacher
Joe Gallacher has been building guitars, mandolins and Irish bouzoukis in Albury NSW since 1989.
Influenced by British and American builders he has developed his own sound in acoustic guitars, built with a wide range of tonewoods. Joe has recently been building instruments from 100% reclaimed timber with excellent results.
The thing I like about Joe’s acoustic guitars is that they are beautifully crafted, play well and sound fantastic acoustically and in the recording studio. I get so many comments on the tone of my mahogany dreadnaught. These instruments are simply world class – Hamish Davidson.
