Simon Marty is a Sydney guitar maker with a doctorate in electrical engineering – one of the most sought-after makers of the Australian school, whose guitars have been played by Scott Tennant and Slava Grigoryan.
Simon Marty at a Glance
- Workshop: Sydney, Australia
- Building since: 1982
- Background: doctorate in electrical engineering; science majors in physics and mathematics
- Bracing: radial bracing fanning out from the bridge, on a top of fairly traditional thickness
- Known for: enormous volume, long sustain, solid trebles, huge basses and a thick, dense sound
- Played by: Alieksey Vianna, Marco Tamayo, Anabel Montesinos, Karin Schaupp, Irina Kulikova, Jérémy Jouve, Slava Grigoryan, Scott Tennant
A Scientist’s Approach
Unlike many of the other makers from down under, Marty brings a strong scientific background to the art of guitar construction and the production of tone. After years of research, some of it paid for by grants from the Australian government, he has honed his design so that his instruments produce enormous volume, with solid trebles, huge basses and an otherwise thick, dense sound, with long sustain and rich harmonics. Unlike the Australian lattice guitars, his tops are of fairly traditional thickness and braced radially, the braces fanning out from the bridge. Demand is high, and his waiting list is long.
Concert Workhorses
Many of his guitars are French polished on the top only, with lacquered back and sides, and fitted with an adjustable truss rod – solid workhorse concert guitars for the touring musician. Scott Tennant played a 2006 Marty with the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet for many years. His labels read “Simon Marty, Sydney, Australia”, signed and dated.
Simon Marty Guitars at GSI
Many Simon Marty 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 Simon Marty?
A guitar maker in Sydney, Australia, building since 1982, with a doctorate in electrical engineering.
What do Simon Marty guitars sound like?
Enormous volume, solid trebles, huge basses and a thick, dense sound.
Who plays Simon Marty guitars?
Alieksey Vianna, Marco Tamayo, Anabel Montesinos, Karin Schaupp, Irina Kulikova, Jérémy Jouve, Slava Grigoryan and Scott Tennant, among others.
