Master's six strings strike global chords

Gao Yi, 56, is one of China's most accomplished classical guitarists. Today, however, he is winning even greater recognition worldwide as a luthier, crafting exquisitely handmade guitars that are earning international acclaim.

Two years ago, Gao's flamenco guitar won first prize at the 7th Antonio Marin Montero Guitar Building Competition held in Granada, Spain, where his classical guitar also remarkably made it to the final. He became the first Chinese luthier ever to win the competition's top prize.

Last month, his instruments impressed Japanese musicians and fellow luthiers at an exhibition in Tokyo. Standing out in this highly competitive market through exceptional craftsmanship, Gao signed cooperation agreements with Japan's major instrument distributors, including Gendai Guitar and Kurosawa Gakki, for both online and offline orders.

Born in Shandong province in 1970, Gao's connection with music and instruments began early. He primarily played the Chinese bamboo flute as a child and taught himself guitar at the age of 17. After graduating from Jining University with a music degree in 1992, he continued his studies in classical guitar performance at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing the following year. It was there that he first encountered guitars built in the traditional Spanish style.

In 2000, Gao won first place in the Chinese Guitar Competition while performing on an Antonio Marin Montero guitar borrowed from a friend.

Later that year, he joined Yamaha Corporation as China's guitar market manager and relocated to Shanghai. During his eight years with the company, Gao deepened his understanding of guitar history and construction techniques. At the same time, he continued performing solo concerts, often using his cherished Marin Montero guitars.

His first attempts at building guitars began in 2010, when he established his workshop, Gaoyi Guitars. Shortly afterward, a serious accident during a repair left his fingers badly injured. Rather than discouraging him, the experience strengthened his determination to pursue lutherie more seriously and eventually shift his professional focus toward guitar making.

In 2013, Gao seized an opportunity to study traditional Spanish guitar-making in Beijing under Juan Labella, a respected guitar maker from Granada.

The following year, with support from the Spanish Consulate General in Shanghai, he visited Spain, where he was introduced to Marin Montero himself. The legendary master offered valuable guidance and encouragement. Marin Montero, widely regarded as one of the most influential living masters of traditional Spanish guitar making, became both a mentor and a lasting source of inspiration for Gao.

In 2019, Gao was recommended by the European Guitar Foundation to study with another renowned Granada School luthier, Rene Baarslag. The experience further shaped and inspired his own approach to guitar making.

"While I was in Spain, I lived with local musicians and luthiers to learn and exchange ideas. Then I realized that guitar making is far more than simply creating a seemingly abstract sound. Behind it lie the culture, history, humanism, life experience and the thoughts of the luthiers," says Gao.

Regardless of national or cultural differences, Gao says he was warmly welcomed by Spanish masters. They generously shared their workshops, materials, tools, techniques, craftsmanship, experience and even their philosophy of life.