Amateur Luthier · Handcrafted Instruments
Detailed build blogs documenting every step — from raw tonewoods to final setup. Steel string, classical, flamenco, and ukulele.
A Paco Chorobo playing my first Flamenco Blanca
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Every instrument I build carries the joy of learning — each one better than the last.
Construction Diaries
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Follow the full construction process from selecting tonewoods to final setup and string tension.
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Nylon string builds rooted in tradition — exploring both classical and flamenco construction techniques.
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Small in size, big in character. Soprano, concert, and tenor builds documented in detail.
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Restoration and repair work — bringing instruments back to life with care and craftsmanship.
Read blogs →Crafting instruments with love & sawdust
About the Builder
John Parchem is an American luthier and the builder behind Harvest Moon Guitars, where he documents his instrument-building journey in meticulous detail — from raw tonewoods to final setup. He builds steel string, classical, flamenco, and ukulele instruments, with a particular passion for the science of acoustic guitar design.
He is one of the few American luthiers with deep hands-on experience in falcate bracing, the innovative system developed by Australian luthier and engineer Trevor Gore. John works closely with the Gore/Gilet methodology for plate thicknessing, resonance tuning, and carbon fibre reinforcement — applying the same engineering rigor to each build.
At Harvest Moon Guitars, John shares everything — the successes, the lessons learned, and the hard-won knowledge that comes from building by hand, with passion.