Update: the 2024 edition took place on 19 and 20 October 2024. Check the official website for future dates, and see our calendar of guitar events in Europe for other shows.
If you love handmade and custom-built guitars, the Salon International de la Lutherie in Toulouse, France, is a show to put on your list. It celebrates the craft of luthiers from around the world, with a focus on handmade string instruments and the chance to meet the people who build them.
About the Salon
The 2024 edition took place on 19 and 20 October 2024 in Toulouse, a city known for its music scene and its tradition of craftsmanship. Over two days, the show presented handmade guitars, ukuleles and other string instruments, giving visitors a close look at some of the finest instruments being built today.
Unlike big commercial music expos, the Salon is about craftsmanship, artistry and personal contact. Luthiers from several countries show their work, often one-off designs that reflect their own style. Every instrument tells its own story.
Why Go?
- Meet the luthiers. The makers are the heart of the show. You can talk to them about their craft, learn how they work and even discuss commissioning a custom guitar.
- Instruments you won’t find in shops. Handmade with great attention to detail, these guitars often use special tonewoods and have their own tonal character. Classical, flamenco and steel-string guitars are all well represented.
- Hear the difference. Demonstrations let you hear and feel what makes a luthier-built instrument special.
- Connect with the guitar community. Players, collectors and aspiring builders all come together, making it easy to swap ideas and experiences.
Tradition and Innovation
What makes the Salon special is that it celebrates both traditional and modern guitar building. Some luthiers work with methods passed down for generations, while others experiment with new techniques and materials. Whether you love classic designs or something more adventurous, you’ll find it here.
Plan Your Visit
Toulouse makes a great short break, with art, history and excellent food. When you’re not looking at guitars, there’s plenty to see and taste in the city.
If you’re serious about guitars, as a player, a collector or simply an admirer of fine craftsmanship, the Salon International de la Lutherie is an inspiring weekend.
Looking After a Handmade Guitar
A handmade acoustic guitar deserves the best care. Solid-wood instruments are especially sensitive to humidity, so read how humidity affects your guitar, and keep the fretboard conditioned with a natural product like our GuitarBuddy Fretboard Wax. For setups and repairs, GuitarBuddy works with players in Zandvoort, Haarlem, Aerdenhout and Amsterdam. See our guitar setup and repair services.
