Daryl Perry is a Canadian classical guitar maker in Winnipeg, building full-time since 1982 in the tradition of Antonio de Torres and the Torres–Hauser school he learned of through José Luis Romanillos; his son Jesse now works with him.
Daryl Perry at a Glance
- Workshop: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Full-time luthier: since 1982
- Influences: Antonio de Torres, Hermann Hauser and José Luis Romanillos
- Builds: concert guitars and historical reproductions (Torres, Simplicio); earlier also Renaissance and Baroque lutes
- Construction: no carbon fiber, one sound hole, one soundboard
- Played by: Roland Dyens, Fábio Zanon, Marcin Dylla, Johan Fostier, Jérôme Ducharme, Paolo Pegoraro
- Family: his son Jesse works with him in the workshop
The Torres–Hauser School
Early in his career Perry was introduced to the central ideas of the Torres–Hauser school by José Luis Romanillos, and he has worked with them ever since, refining his understanding of them and the craftsmanship that makes them “work”. His guitars – made of well-aged spruce and fine rosewoods, maple, cedar and mahogany – are known for an older, played-in, “antique” quality of sound even when new: lush, warm and loose, with a broad dynamic range.
Reproductions of Torres and Simplicio
Alongside his own concert guitars Perry makes historical reproductions. GSI has had his copy of a satinwood Francisco Simplicio, Hauser-inspired guitars and, in 2018, a copy of Tárrega’s 1888 Torres SE 114, which he had studied in 1997. Grants for his work allowed him to do historical research in Europe and North America, and in 1994 two of his guitars were shown at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Hull, Quebec.
Concert Artists
Fábio Zanon, Marcin Dylla, Johan Fostier, Jérôme Ducharme and Paolo Pegoraro have performed on Perry guitars, and the late Roland Dyens recorded two albums on one – “Sor and Giuliani” (2006) and “Naguele Tempo” (2008).
Daryl Perry Guitars at GSI
Many Daryl Perry guitars have passed through our doors over the years. You’ll find guitars currently in stock by clicking the “Guitars In Stock” button in the header of this page as well as earlier examples in our Museum by clicking the “Guitars In Museum” button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Daryl Perry?
A Canadian classical guitar maker in Winnipeg, building full-time since 1982 in the Torres–Hauser tradition.
Does Daryl Perry make Torres copies?
Yes – among his historical reproductions is a copy of Tárrega’s 1888 Torres SE 114.
Which guitarists have played Perry guitars?
Roland Dyens recorded two albums on one; Fábio Zanon, Marcin Dylla and others have performed on them.
Is Daryl Perry still building?
Yes – in Winnipeg, now together with his son Jesse.
