Balazs Prohaszka
I was trained in Hungary in the great European luthiery traditions, learning the craftsmanship of stringed-instrument making and the meticulous skills of museum-grade restoration work. Yet, despite this remarkable training and experience – ranging from violins and double basses to lutes and bows – my original fascination with guitars remained. In 2003 this brought me to Northern Ireland – and the inspiring workshop of Lowden Guitars.
A number of years later, I was given the opportunity to redesign the entire acoustic line of the legendary Zemaitis Guitars range, which was about to be reissued by Kanda-Shokai in Japan.
I later spent a couple of years as a consultant in guitar technology and design in the Far East, before returning to Northern Ireland, where I went on to develop some innovative inlay and bevel techniques for Avalon Guitars.
All of that diverse experience now goes into my own range of custom-built instruments. It is, I believe, what makes them look, play and sound so special.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have been interviewed many times about my approach to guitar-building, and the instruments themselves have been featured in numerous publications. Here is a short sample.
Interview at GuitarBench.com
Guitar Connoisseur – chapter in book
Why choose a Prohaszka guitar?
‘Build to the highest standards, using the highest quality of tonewoods and materials, with the highest levels of craftsmanship and technical skill.’
This encapsulates my approach to creating an instrument.
The result is outstanding sound and responsiveness in a unique instrument that offers remarkable value for money.
I believe a great-sounding guitar depends on more than the wood selection, a new top bracing system or a revolutionary neck joint. Every element matters; each one contributes to the harmony and quality of the completed instrument.
Every guitar I build is created for one person, not for a market. That means every guitar is personal, with its own story to tell and songs to sing.
Only you know the music that is waiting inside your guitar. With an instrument built around you and your style, you can find it – and set it free.
