His thirst for knowledge of the craft led him to a determined study of guitar-making tradition and technique, one which continues to this day. As a self-taught luthier, many of his ideas come from his experience and friendship with such noted luthiers as the late James D'Aquisto in New York, José Luis Romanillos in Guijosa, Jean Pierre Favino in Paris, and David John Morse in California. Additionally, he paid visits to the guitar production facilities of Martin, Gibson, and the Fender Custom Shop, to learn about how to produce fine quality instruments with greater efficiency. His study of the work of Michael Kasha and Richard Schneider has also played a role in the development of his own signature style and impeccable construction technique.

Josep Melo produces a very limited number of instruments each year, including archtops, flat-top steel stringed instruments, classical guitars and electric instruments. Each and every instrument is produced with and a strict attention to even the smallest of details, making every Melo guitar a true work of art. Pictured within this brochure are some stunning examples of Melo's work in each instrument category. Please note that each instrument is hand-crafted to a customer's order, and as such, a tremendous number of options and modifications are available to personalize the instrument to the player. All Melo guitars are backed by a lifetime warranty against defects in construction. We hope that you enjoy seeing the work featured herein, and please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about Melo Custom Guitars!

My first meeting with Josep Melo occurred while I was working as vintage instrument manager at Mandolin Bros. We had received a request from him to set up an appointment for him to see the collection of the late Scott Chinery, and since I hadn't seen the collection for some time I volunteered to take Josep down to Tom's River to see the revered collection.

During the day we spent together, I came to realize what special and delightful people Josep and his wife Carmen are. I also found out that not only was Josep a practitioner and teacher of interior design with an international reputation, but that his greatest passion was building guitars. And what guitars they were! The photos he had brought with him showed a range of guitars of unpararalleled beauty.

The designs were sleek and modern, reflecting his sensibility in interior design as well as the cutting edge artistic tradition of his native Barcelona. Of course at this point my appreciation for his work was strictly based on their visual appeal. Being the skeptic that I am I, I thought to myself, "I've seen pretty guitars before -- I wonder what they sound like?"

A couple of years had passed, but the image of Melo guitars stayed with me. I had maintained a growing friendship with Josep during this time and kept planning to visit him in Spain. In 2000 I finally made my first trip to Spain during which time I had my first hands-on experience with Josep's creations and they exceeded my wildest expectations! Each instrument I played exhibited a grace and playability which was world class and every model had its own unique sound, while retaining its essential sonic signature as a Melo guitar. The sounds were clear yet warm with a depth and richness rare in modern guitars. The craftsmanship and level of detail which I observed in these guitars was as highly refined as on any guitar I've seen (and believe me, I've seen quite a few...).

From the moment I first played one I knew that I had to play a role in introducing these guitars into the world's most demanding guitar market: the U.S. I am sure that in the years to come these fine instruments will take their well-deserved place among the guitars made by other modern master luthiers.