Instrument Makers
The luthiers and builders of Southwest Virginia whose handcrafted guitars, banjos, fiddles, and dulcimers are played around the world.
A Living Craft
The same mountains that produced the region’s musicians also produced its instrument builders. From world-renowned guitar makers like Wayne Henderson of Grayson County to the banjo, fiddle, and dulcimer builders working in workshops across the region, lutherie in Southwest Virginia is a living craft — often self-taught, always deeply local, and intimately tied to the music the instruments are built to play.
A community of independent luthiers building and repairing banjos, guitars, and fiddles in the heart of old-time country.
Learn moreWorld-renowned guitar maker from Grayson County whose instruments are played by Eric Clapton and Doc Watson.
Learn moreRegional fiddle builders preserving the instruments at the heart of old-time music.
Learn moreBuilders of the Appalachian mountain dulcimer, one of the region’s signature folk instruments.
Learn moreDid You Know?
- Wayne Henderson’s guitars are so prized that there is a years-long waiting list — and he once traded one to Eric Clapton.
- The Appalachian mountain dulcimer is one of the few instruments developed in the United States.
- Many regional luthiers build instruments from local woods harvested in the Blue Ridge.
Combine Music and the Outdoors
Plan a trip that pairs a day on the New River Trail with the living musical heritage of Southwest Virginia.