Jiří Markalous

Luthier

©KYTARY MARKALOUS

Breathing music into wood

Jiří sees art as a way of communication
He considers making guitars to be highly addictive
Visual appearance and sound design play an equal role in his creations

A cycling tour across Europe can unfold in multiple ways. For Jiří Markalous it sparked the desire to start creating. He has been drawn to the art of guitar making since a very young age. Without hesitation, he ordered the necessary tools and embarked on a new journey: the transformation of raw wood into musical instruments. Creating art, for Jiří, serves as a means to communicate his message through the resulting product, aiming to bring joy to both clients and himself. In today's rapidly evolving world, saturated with information at our fingertips and a thriving market of guitar makers, Jiří maintains a firm belief that a genuine craftsperson infuses a part of themselves into their work, rendering each creation authentic. As the saying goes: it is the same but still different.

Where

Interview

©KYTARY MARKALOUS

©KYTARY MARKALOUS

How would you define your connection to guitar making?: I am a guitarist myself and I love my guitars. To be able to create musical instruments that bring their users long-term joy is truly a great feeling. A musical instrument is often a highly personal, almost intimate possession for the player. It provides an opportunity to express oneself through music and becomes a close companion.
Can you explain your creative approach?: It starts with defining the instrument specifications and selecting the appropriate wood, ensuring a harmonious visual and sonic blend. Crafting a guitar is quite complex, and I honour tradition, yet enjoy discovering new contexts and possibilities. This includes incorporating innovative elements like a custom side lining or sound port.
Does working with wood pose any challenges?: Wood is a highly distinctive material. Each piece has a unique character. The atmospheric humidity presents a challenge, as wood is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from its surroundings. When working with it, I must consistently observe and respect its traits. Herein lies both its beauty and potential pitfalls.
Can you share your vision of the ideal guitar?: A well-crafted guitar plays beautifully, inspiring its owner not only with its sound but also its design. It should endure the test of time, becoming a steadfast companion on life's journey. Nevertheless, with each new guitar, I always hope to create something even better.

Jiří Markalous is a rising star: he began his career in 2017