Unique Guitars from South Africa | Murray Kuun

Life With Strings Attached

I’m pleased to have Murray Kuun as our special guest on this week’s episode of Life With Strings Attached.

Murray says that a transformative trip to Italy in the 1990s, punctuated by a visit to Michelangelo’s David and a serendipitous encounter with a Luthier, ignited his desire to craft musical instruments. With only a poorly written book as guidance, he painstakingly fashioned his first violin, marking the beginning of a prolific journey into instrument making.

Over the years, he’s honed his craft, making countless traditional violins before transitioning to original designs that more reflect his love for music and innovation. Today, Murray’s portfolio boasts hundreds of one-of-a-kind guitars, violins, mandolins, ukuleles, a lute, and even a cello.

It was a pleasure to hear about Murray’s past and perspective, and I hope you enjoy listening along.

Patreon members will also get access to the bonus Business of Guitar segment, in which Murray gives his perspective on decades running a successful instrument making business.

Watch the video version on YouTube:
🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached

Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase:
🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase

Support the deeper conversations:
🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon

Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. How Murray began making instruments (00:02:09)

3. Murray’s design philosophy (00:24:38)

4. Experiment – there’s so much more potential in the guitar (00:30:00)

5. A word from our sponsor (00:40:21)

6. Wood, air and strings (00:40:48)

7. The difficulty of describing sound (00:52:15)

8. Join us on Patreon (00:57:27)

9. The untapped potential of stringed instruments (00:58:10)

10. Compete and push the limits (01:06:10)