Interview with Luthier Michel Aboudib
“I always thought that making guitars and listening to them, having the guitar experience, is multi-sensory."
Michel Aboudib's approach to guitar-making feels almost synesthetic. Rather than using the usual descriptors for tone, he may use a word like “buttery”, and he is careful to curate the entire sensory experience of his instruments. With a past life that includes work as a director of photography and in the wine trade, academic math studies, and a childhood surrounded by creative and crafty family members, it’s no surprise that he comes at it from such a multi-dimensional and multi-disciplinary angle.
We discuss the powerful influences of fellow luthiers Chris Morimoto, Jeff Traugott, and Ervin Somogyi (he’s one of his latest apprentices!). We dig into his build philosophy, and touch on the value of a musical friendship like the one he has with Antoine Aubry, who provides constant valuable feedback in addition to playing and photographing Michel’s finished guitars.
Watch on YouTube or listen to Talking Guitar on your preferred podcast app.
Quick Facts
Favorite tonewoods: Indian rosewood, Brazilian rosewood, ebony, and European spruce
Workshop listening: Number File podcast, Luthier on Luthier podcast, heavy metal
Future builds: Fruit tree and olive tree wood guitars
