About Me,
Hi, thanks for checking out my website. Andya guitars was founded by luthier Andrew Armstrong in Bozeman, Montana.
I am first and foremost an artist and songwriter.
As a first generation luthier, I have a unyielding passion for building the finest acoustic guitars available. It wasn’t until almost 8 years into building instruments that the whole notion of my addiction hit home. When I could finally acknowledge that all the late nights and long days going over details or designs while experimenting with every instrument on the bench was not an active choice but rather a personal necessity, I was officially hooked with a music box on my back.
Building guitars is a tough business to break into. It takes an outrageous amount of time and energy to get started. What was possible 20 years ago is no longer possible. However, the need for such bespoke instruments has never been higher. We need inspiration in this world! A anchor if you will, to the importance of self expression, of mental health, of bringing people together with positive energy and hopefully a diminishing ego.
While I’ve been trained by some of the best luthiers in the world, there are hundreds of ways to build an acoustic guitar. I have been incredibly purposeful in choosing approaches that align with my quality standards while realizing my artistic vision.
The Process
My process begins with focusing on tonal characteristics, design specifications and cosmetic appeal. As a visual artist, it is paramount to me that the whole package blends seamlessly into a tool that both inspires and allows the player to achieve their individual greatness.
Can a guitar really make you play better? Not surprisingly, yes.
From conception to realization, things get a little trickier. I start by picking out the finest materials available. I can’t stress enough how good ingredients are the basis of my builds. Strong and stable woods are hard to come by. They are rare and expensive… and totally worth it.
I’m not going to say I use hide glue for the whole construction… because that’s not true. I can’t brag everything is done by the traditional methods, because that’s not true either. Over the years I have dedicated an abundance of time researching and experimenting with glues, woods, designs etc etc in order to get the results that set my instruments apart from anything else you will play. Are they cosmetically perfect? Not by a long shot, but do you analyze a hammers cosmetic blemishes before smashing in that nail? Hopefully not, dig in.
