ATELIER - PAUL LAIRAT GUITARS & BASSES

Welcome to our workshop!

Where it all began...

It all started when Paul first learned to play his father Henri Lairat’s old acoustic guitar. Very quickly, the desire to make it more modern and suited to his taste instinctively pushed him to carry out his first instrument customization in the small family garage.

This marked the beginning of a growing interest in designing instruments, which soon led the future luthier to build his very first electric guitar (the “Sanoa”—initially called the PL1 at the start of the story).

His training and experience as a cabinetmaker, along with his work crafting traditional Provençal instruments, made the transition a natural one.

And so, the very first “Paul Lairat” guitar was born—an instrument that brought great satisfaction both aesthetically and acoustically. But the luthier’s imagination was only just beginning. His constant pursuit of even more precise craftsmanship and flawless finishes guided him toward a clearly defined path. Over the next three years, he devoted himself to the discreet creation of six guitar and bass models. In 2000, he unveiled his first complete line of “Paul Lairat” instruments at the Paris Music Show.

The instruments sparked tremendous interest among musicians, yet it still wasn’t enough for Paul, who aspired to stand out even more and offer players a truly unique guitar or bass.

In 2004, he fulfilled that vision by creating the Stega, an extraordinary bass that revolutionized the instrument world with its futuristic aesthetics and ergonomic design—all while delivering a remarkably versatile sound: powerful, dynamic, rich in harmonics, and extremely precise.

The positive impact of this bass on musicians and instrument enthusiasts, combined with Paul’s desire to share his passion, led him to take part in Europe’s largest music exhibition, the Frankfurt Musikmesse. Continuing on this path, he introduced a new bass model in 2006: the Gabriella, a semi-hollow fretless bass offering a tone strikingly similar to that of an upright bass. In 2009, both the Gabriella and the Stega received the Best Luthier Award, a distinction presented by the American magazine Bass Gear.

This recognition encouraged Paul to aim even higher, taking him to the legendary musical hub of Los Angeles to exhibit at the iconic NAMM Show, further promoting his guitars and basses internationally.

In 2012, Paul introduced a new bass model for the NAMM Show: the Sirya.

Among all the instruments showcased that year, it received the highest number of votes on the website of the American magazine Premier Guitar.

And that is how it all began… back in 1994.

Where the instrument comes to life!

The lutherie workshop opened its doors in 2000.

A wide variety of tonewoods—such as wenge, mahogany, ebony, and maple—are stored and dried for a minimum of five years before being used in the crafting of the different parts of a guitar or bass.

Rare veneers, including myrtle burl, madrone burl, and amboyna, are also carefully kept and will be used to create the instrument tops.

To work with precision, several woodworking machines support the luthier’s handcrafting process.

The table saw, jointer, and thickness planer are used to cut and dimension the wood.

The bandsaw shapes the body outline of the instrument.

Finally, the router allows for the creation of fine contours and mouldings.

This is how every Paul Lairat bass and guitar is born.

The Gabriella Bass - Before After !

Stega Bass - Crafting Process

Myra Bass - Crafting Process

I would like to thank you for your trust and for the interest you have shown in my work as a luthier.
I also want to say that, even after 25 years, I still take the same pleasure in sharing this adventure with you. I am truly grateful that my very first guitar—born in the narrow garage of a small village—opened the door to a journey filled with inspiring musical and personal encounters.
Today, I am delighted that my instruments are recognized internationally for their aesthetic beauty, acoustic qualities, and flawless craftsmanship.
They reflect the care I put into each one, and the passion that continues to drive me.

Paul Lairat