Luthiers Page

Diomedes “Yomi” Matos

Tue, 19 May 2009 23:10:12 -0400

How can I begin to speak of a man whom I admire and hope to one day build an instrument half as good as he does. I met Yomi through my wife as he was a long time friend of her family. Yomi Matos is a Master instrument builder in every sense of the word. His attention to detail is clear in every instrument he builds. While he has built instruments for many famous musicians he has not allowed the fame get to his head. Yomi is a humble and giving individual. As I think of those days when I was doing my apprenticeship with Yomi, I can only recall the countless hours, days and beautiful times we spent in his basement workshop just talking instrument building and playing the cuatro in between jobs. He is one hilarious personality and a true and dear friend. Here are just a few pictures of one of his instruments.

I highly recommend Yomi Matos as the builder of your next Classical guitar, Requinto, Puerto Rican Tres, Cuatro or any stringed instrument that could possibly come to mind. You may contact Yomi directly by calling him at: 973-495-5782 when you call him, tell him his favorite apprentice sent you to him. :-)

Articles: In NY times, Folklife in NJ

William Cumpiano

Tue, 19 May 2009 23:10:01 -0400

William Cumpiano is a dear friend whom I admire in many ways. Another Master Luthier whom I admire and hope to be like him when I grow up. Bill and I share a similar passion. One for instrument building, the other is for the Puerto Rican Cuatro. To see what Bill is up to or get his contact information for his shop go to www.cumpiano.com

Take a look at our latest collaboration. We’ve found what we think is one of the best tuning machines for stringed instruments that require horizontal tuning machines (slotted peg heads). These instruments may be steel string or folk guitars, Puerto Rican Cuatro, Cuban and Puerto Rican Tres, Tiples, Bandurrias, Dulcimers....etc.

Manuel Rodriguez “Feneque”

Tue, 19 May 2009 23:09:51 -0400

Don Manuel has got to be one of the best instrument makers I’ve had the honor to meet and share in Puerto Rico. He is a stringed instrument builder from Puerto Rico that I can wholeheartedly recommend to build you any kind of stringed instrument. His building techniques are advanced, methodical and deliberate. He also works under a climate controlled environment thus providing you with a Master piece that will endure the climatic changes in Puerto Rico or US.

Check this video out where Feneque is playing a cuatro I made for Nelson Cotto from Atlantic City, NJ. If you would like Don Manuel to build an instrument for you, contact him at: 787-823-3951

Jaime Alicea

Tue, 19 May 2009 22:48:51 -0400

I met Don Jaime Alicea back in 1995 when I had just barely completed my first year apprenticeship with Yomi Matos. Right away an affection and friendship began. He is a warm individual with tons of experience and willing to share those experiences with you. That same day I met his son Javier. A shy young man whom later develops into a virtuoso of the cuatro. Don Jaime’s cuatros are beautiful and full of life. He is another builder from Puerto Rico that I would recommend you look at if you are in the market for a cuatro. You can contact him at: 787-855-5883.