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2025 Guitar Trends: Materials, Specs, Styles, and Sounds

2025 Guitar Trends: Materials, Specs, Styles, and Sounds

In 2025, the guitar industry embraces a refined balance between tradition and innovation. Sustainability drives tonewood choices, with roasted maple, regional species, and reclaimed materials gaining ground. Specs focus on playability, with compound radius fingerboards, ergonomic necks, and noiseless electronics becoming standard. Visually, vintage-inspired designs meet modern aesthetics like metallic finishes and aged hardware. Sonically, players seek clarity and dynamics over raw power, favoring versatile electronics and responsive pickups. Sustainability is no longer optional — eco-friendly finishes and responsible sourcing are integral to premium craftsmanship. Overall, the guitars of 2025 reflect a market that values comfort, individuality, and environmental responsibility.

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Gloss vs. Matte: The Feel, the Look, the Legacy of Your Guitar Finish

Gloss vs. Matte: The Feel, the Look, the Legacy of Your Guitar Finish

Choosing between gloss, matte, or satin guitar finishes is more than an aesthetic decision — it shapes your experience with the instrument over time. Gloss finishes offer stunning brilliance and highlight the guitar's curves and grain, but require regular maintenance to preserve their shine. Matte finishes provide a smooth, non-sticky feel with a muted, natural look, hiding fingerprints well while developing character as they wear. Satin finishes sit comfortably between the two, offering a soft sheen and a balance of visual appeal and practical comfort.

Each finish evolves differently, with gloss gradually softening in high-contact areas, and matte and satin subtly polishing themselves through play. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your personal style, your playing habits, and the story you want your guitar to tell as it ages alongside you.

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IRYW : Beautiful guitars sound better

IRYW : 美しいギターは音が良くなる

私は正しい、あなたは間違っている N°5 - それでも正しい。

この記事では、楽器の美しさと、その楽器が知覚する音質との興味深い関係について探ります。神経科学、心理学、ブラインドリスニングテストからの洞察を組み合わせることで、美的魅力がミュージシャンの自信、パフォーマンス、聴衆の認識にどのように影響するかを明らかにします。ケーススタディと研究結果を通じて、音響特性だけが重要であるという従来の概念に異議を唱え、美しさが音楽表現において重要な役割を果たすことを示しています。

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IRYW - Tone : you think you do, but you don’t

IRYW - トーン:あなたはそう思うが、そうではない

私は正しい、あなたは間違っている No.4 -トリガー警告

ギターの音色に関する科学を深く掘り下げ、よくある神話や誤解に挑みます。この包括的な記事では、木材の特性、人間の知覚、ブラインド テストに関する科学的研究を検証し、音色に関する私たちの信念の多くが実際の物理学よりもマーケティングや認知バイアスに基づいている理由を明らかにします。木材の水分含有量の詳細な分析からブラインド テスト方法の批判的検討まで、ギタリストと楽器製作者に科学的証拠と実用的な洞察の両方を提供します。

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IRYW : You don’t need to be a great musician to be a great luthier

IRYW : You don’t need to be a great musician to be a great luthier

I’m Right, You’re Wrong N°3 - or how I justify my poor bass skills

Think you need to shred on a guitar to craft one? Think again. This article debunks the myth that musical virtuosity is essential for luthiery, highlighting the true skills—craftsmanship, empathy, and precision—that define the world’s best luthiers.

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I design guitars from the perspective of a bass builder

I design guitars from the perspective of a bass builder

In this exclusive interview with Fretboard Frenzy Journal, I share the journey of building Belforti Instruments, my passion for crafting premium electric guitars, and the philosophy that drives my work. From the initial inspiration to the details of the crafting process, this conversation dives deep into the artistry and precision behind every Belforti guitar. Whether you're a musician, a collector, or simply intrigued by the world of high-end lutherie, this interview offers an inside look into the dedication and innovation that go into creating instruments for the modern player.

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IRYW : Vintage guitars are overpriced hype

IRYW : Vintage guitars are overpriced hype

I'm Right You're Wrong - The return

In this new episode of the most argumented and objective blog series ever made, we will talk about vintage guitars and basses, and how Big Guitar lead you to believe that they are worth your money. From survivor bias, to deep rooted clichés, discover why a large portion of the public and players still praise decade years old instruments that are often out performed by their younger opponents. 

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IRYW : Why Stainless Steel Frets are a Waste of Money

IRYW : Why Stainless Steel Frets are a Waste of Money

In this first article of our new series : I’m Right, You’re Wrong, we delve into the comprehensive discussion about stainless steel frets. We examine the touted benefits of durability and longevity against the increased costs and maintenance requirements. Uncover insights into how these frets affect playability, tone, and the overall health of your guitar. Whether you're a touring professional or a casual player, find out if stainless steel frets are truly a worthy investment for enhancing your guitar's performance over time.

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About Guitar Finishes

About Guitar Finishes

This article delves into the scientific examination of guitar finishes, focusing on their impact on tone. It critically evaluates the myth of the "breathing guitar" and challenges the perceived superiority of nitrocellulose finishes, presenting evidence on how various finishes, including oil-based options, affect sound quality. The discussion extends to include electric guitars, debunking common misconceptions and highlighting perception biases in tone evaluation. Innovations in finishing materials and their future implications are also explored.

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About Tonewoods

About Tonewoods

Discussing tonewoods… or how to make new enemies in the guitar building industry. Sounds like a plan !

This article delves into the intricate world of tonewoods and musical instrument construction, highlighting the balance between tradition and innovation. It explores the scientific properties of woods, the impact of construction techniques on sound, and the importance of sustainability in material selection. Case studies exemplify practical applications, while challenges like debunking myths and ensuring sustainable practices point towards future directions in lutherie.

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About Guitar Necks

About Guitar Necks

This article delves into the nuanced aspects of guitar construction, focusing on neck joint types, grain orientation, and the choice between laminated and one-piece necks. It challenges common myths with scientific evidence, revealing that factors like material choice and craftsmanship significantly influence tone and sustain, rather than neck joint type alone. Both laminated and one-piece necks have their merits, with considerations for stability, tone, and aesthetics guiding builders and players. The piece advocates for a holistic approach in guitar design and selection, emphasizing personal preference and the interplay of various construction elements.

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Pickups Unveiled

Pickups Unveiled

This comprehensive guide delves into the intricate world of guitar and bass pickups, exploring their mechanics, history, types, and impact on the instrument's tone. From the evolution of single-coils and humbuckers to the latest in digital and modeling technologies, the article examines how different pickups shape musical expression. It also looks forward to the future of pickup technology, anticipating advancements in materials, active electronics, and sustainable designs, highlighting their role in the continuing innovation of guitar and bass sound.

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The Path to Becoming a Professional Luthier

The Path to Becoming a Professional Luthier

The article explores the critical path to becoming a professional luthier, emphasizing the importance of formal education and training. It outlines the benefits of certification programs and continued education, underscoring why consumers should prioritize trained luthiers to ensure quality craftsmanship. The piece also highlights how proper training and regulation contribute to the lutherie field's prestige and the importance of verifying a luthier's credentials.

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Tone & Terminology

Tone & Terminology

Explore the nuanced world of guitar tone through a standardized lexicon of musical terminology. This article demystifies the jargon, clarifying the impact of frequency, harmonics, and dynamics on your sound. It also examines how individual technique and equipment choices contribute to the unique tonal fingerprint of a guitarist, whether playing solo or blending in with a group.

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Science, Pseudoscience and Lutherie

Science, Pseudoscience and Lutherie

Explore the intersection of science and myth in guitar craftsmanship with "Science, Pseudoscience, and Lutherie." This article's goal is to provide a solid intellectual foundation for players, builders, and actors of the lutherie and music world to navigate myths and pseudoscientific speech

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The Anatomy of a Guitar

The Anatomy of a Guitar

Explore the craftsmanship of both electric and acoustic guitars with our detailed guide that dives deep into the anatomy of these beloved instruments. From the strategic placement of the tuning pegs to the precise engineering of the truss rod, we unravel the secrets behind the components that shape their unique sounds and playability. Gain insights on how the subtle variations in parts like the bridge, pickups, and body can influence tone and performance, offering players and enthusiasts a richer understanding of their instruments.

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Dark woods

Roasted Woods in Lutherie

This article explores the rising popularity of roasted woods in guitar manufacturing. It delves into the benefits, such as enhanced stability and tonal qualities, and considers the aesthetic allure, durability, cost, and accessibility of roasted woods. Whether for the seasoned musician or the hobbyist, this piece sheds light on how roasted woods are shaping the future of guitar design.

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The Role of Electronics in Bass Guitars

The Role of Electronics in Bass Guitars

The electronics in a bass guitar are critical components that greatly influence your sound. From the type of pickups to the onboard preamp and even the internal wiring, understanding these elements is key to mastering your tone. As technology advances, bassists have an ever-growing array of options for shaping their unique sound.

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Why you should buy luthier’s guitars

Why you should buy luthier’s guitars

Choosing a luthier-crafted guitar offers distinct advantages over mass-produced instruments, from unique customization options to superior sound quality. These artisanal guitars provide not just better performance but also serve as lifelong musical companions. Investing in a luthier's guitar is an investment in quality, artistry, and your musical journey.

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Man or Machine ?

Man or Machine ?

Are we, guitar builders, going to be replaced by machines ? And if it’s the case, is it actually bad news ? Let’s find out !

Explore the enduring debate between handcrafted and machine-made guitars, examining the advantages and drawbacks of each method. From the unparalleled craftsmanship of a luthier to the precision and scalability of modern machinery, both approaches offer unique qualities that appeal to different musicians. The article aims to shed light on this topic, helping you decide which method aligns with your preferences and needs.

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The Influence of Scale Length on Playability and Tone

スケールの長さが演奏性と音色に与える影響

スケールの長さは、ギターやベースの音色、演奏性、全体的な感触に大きく影響します。ショートスケール楽器のビンテージな温かみからロングスケール楽器の明るいアーティキュレーション、さらにはマルチスケール設計の人間工学的利点まで、スケールの長さを理解することは、あらゆるミュージシャンにとって重要です。この記事では、スケールの長さの背後にある科学と芸術について深く掘り下げ、次に購入する楽器について十分な情報に基づいた選択を行うのに役立ちます。

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A Pro Luthier’s Bibliography

プロの弦楽器製作者の書誌

厳選された学術論文の参考文献で、ギターの背後にある科学を探りましょう。このリソースは、ギターの共鳴を生み出す音響、工学、物理学に関する詳細な洞察を提供します。弦楽器製作者、ミュージシャン、またはギターに情熱を持っている人でも、この包括的なガイドは、この象徴的な楽器への理解を深めるのに役立ちます。

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How to take care of your guitar

ギターのお手入れ方法

ギターを適切に手入れすることで、ギターの寿命、演奏性、音質が保証されます。クリーニングや湿度管理から弦の交換や保管まで、楽器のメンテナンスを行うことで、摩耗や損傷を防ぐことができます。Belforti Instruments では、ギターを今後何年も新品同様の状態に保つための重要なヒントをご紹介します。

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The Art of Kintsugi

金継ぎの芸術

金継ぎは、壊れた陶器を金で修復する日本の芸術で、欠陥を物の歴史の一部として受け入れることを教えてくれます。Belforti Instruments® では、この哲学からインスピレーションを得て、それを楽器製作に応用しています。欠陥を隠すのではなく、それを称賛し、すべての楽器をユニークな芸術作品に変えています。

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