Aged Golden Era steel-strings with vintage tone and modern reliability
Founded in 2014 by North Carolina luthiers Wes Lambe and Ben Maschal, Pre-War Guitars Co. was created from a shared passion for the exceptional American acoustic guitars of the 1930s. Through years of building, repairing, restoring, and documenting vintage instruments, the two builders developed a detailed understanding of the sound, feel, construction, and character that define the finest Golden Era guitars.
Pre-War instruments combine traditional construction with practical modern features. Torrefied Adirondack spruce tops and braces, hot hide glue, traditional dovetail neck joints, lightweight construction, and ultra-thin nitrocellulose finishes are used to produce the dry, open, powerful voice associated with a well-played vintage guitar—while an adjustable truss rod and precise setup provide the reliability and playability of a modern instrument.
The company’s signature distressing process is available in several levels, ranging from gently aged to heavily played. Far more than a cosmetic treatment, the thin checked finish is central to the feel, responsiveness, and approachable character of each instrument. The result is a handmade guitar with the sound, appearance, and soul of a treasured pre-war original, ready to be played without hesitation.
