Guitar and Lute Workshop
| File:Guitar and Lute Workshop Photo 1974.png Interior view of the Guitar and Lute Workshop, circa 1974. The photo was captured from the second floor office area where the Galliard Press linotype press was situated. | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Musical Instruments |
| Founded | Honolulu, Hawaii, 1970 |
| Defunct | 1976 |
| Products | Various Stringed Instruments |
The Guitar and Lute Workshop (GLW) was a bespoke producer of guitars, ukuleles, and historical stringed instruments located in Honolulu, Hawaii from 1970 until its closure in 1976. Celebrated for its expert luthier craftsmanship, GLW also served as a venue where musicians both taught and performed using its instruments. Above the workshop, an independent piano restoration enterprise operated for several years. GLW significantly contributed to the Second Hawaiian Renaissance by promoting native Hawaiian musical traditions, including the refurbishment of instruments once owned by former royalty preserved at ʻIolani Palace. Prominent Hawaiian artists such as Keola Beamer and Kapono Beamer began their musical journeys at GLW.
Establishment and business
The GLW was established in 1970 by Donald C. Marienthal, George Gilmore, and Keola Beamer, functioning out of a warehouse near Honolulu’s Ala Moana Shopping Center.[1] Subsequently, a retail store was opened in close proximity. The workshop ceased operations in 1976; the warehouse was eventually demolished in 1998 to make way for commercial developments including the studios of KHON.[2]
Keola Beamer reflects: "In my early twenties, I collaborated with George Gilmore and Donald Marienthal building guitars. We secured a loan from the Small Business Administration to launch GLW on Waimanu Street. Interest in slack key guitar lessons grew, so I started offering instruction."[3]
GLW played a role in pioneering the twin-sound hole guitar design, which became characteristic of Keola and Kapono Beamer’s approach to traditional Hawaiian slack-key guitar music.[4] Some initial twin-hole guitar models experienced structural challenges beneath the bridge that compromised soundboard stability and required repairs.
In addition to guitars, GLW crafted specialized instruments such as the lute, vihuela, and viola da gamba. Among these creations, Brian Ikehara constructed at least one ukulele for musician Eddie Kamae.[5] The workshop also sold musical accessories including strings and harmonicas; while these items provided supplementary income, they were not central to GLW’s product line.
Adjunct and associated musical businesses
Galliard Press emerged as an offshoot of GLW, publishing Guitar and Lute magazine starting in April 1974 along with various classical guitar and lute music editions. Established by George Gilmore, it gained recognition as the final guitar magazine produced using a linotype press.
During the 1960s, Gilmore taught classical guitar at Punahou School and collaborated with Sam Kamaka Jr. (of Kamaka Ukulele) to found the Lute Society. From 1966 through 1970, they instructed students in guitar and lute construction. Gilmore’s lutherie methods, acquired during his time in Spain, influenced techniques still employed at Kamaka’s manufacturing facility.
Ralph Hedges, a close colleague of Gilmore’s, founded a piano tuning and restoration service adjacent to GLW’s premises. Among his notable restorations was a square piano associated with King Kalākaua and Queen Liliuokalani, now exhibited at ‘Iolani Palace.
In 1973, Peter Coraggio—an early proponent of ARP synthesizers—shared studio space with GLW. His studio contained multiple ARP synthesizers alongside a mixing console located next to the guitar workshops and showroom.
GLW Alumni
Distinguished individuals associated with GLW include:
- Kapono Beamer – Renowned Hawaiian Slack Key guitar musician
- Keola Beamer – Founder of GLW, Hawaiian Slack Key guitarist, and luthier (1970–1973)
- Charles Brotman – Skilled luthier
- Doug Ching – Luthier active from 1973 to 1975, one of the final craftsmen before GLW ceased operations in 1976
- Peter Coraggio – Musician and pioneer of ARP synthesizer technology; Professor Emeritus at the University of Hawaii
- Jay Doremus – Luthier during 1973–1974
- George Gilmore – Co-founder and proprietor of GLW (1970–1975), luthier, music professor at the University of Hawaii, and publisher of Guitar and Lute magazine
- Ralph Hedges – Piano technician, tuner, classical pianist, and educator (1972–1973)
- Anthony Huvard – GLW luthier since 1970, manager of repairs, and inventor of a heat press designed for neck straightening
- Brian Ikehara – Luthier from 1973 to 1974
- Kip Irvine – Luthier starting in 1975
- Donald C. Marienthal – Owner and founder of GLW (1970–1975)
- Dey Martin – Luthier
- Randall Pong – Luthier
- Bart Potter – GLW luthier between 1974 and 1975; founder of the Hawaii Forest Industry Association