Our Story
Built with purpose. Played with passion.
Marques Guitars was born from a simple belief: every player deserves an instrument that fits them perfectly — not one pulled off a shelf.
The Builder
Meet Filipe
Filipe Marques has spent over two decades with wood in his hands and music in his ears. What started as a passion project in a small garage workshop grew into one of the most respected boutique guitar operations in the country.
Every guitar that leaves this shop has been touched by Filipe at every stage — from selecting the raw lumber to the final setup and string change. There are no assembly lines, no outsourced components, and no compromises.
His philosophy is straightforward: build the guitar you would want to play yourself. That standard hasn't changed since day one.
The Process
From raw wood to finished instrument
Every Marques guitar follows the same deliberate path — a process refined with experience and never rushed.
Wood Selection
Filipe personally sources lumber, selecting each piece by hand for grain, figure, resonance, and character. No two pieces of wood are alike — and that's the point.
Design & Layout
Each build begins with a conversation. Body style, scale length, neck profile, hardware — every dimension is mapped to the player before a single cut is made.
Construction
Bodies are routed, necks are shaped, and joints are fitted by hand. Traditional joinery techniques meet modern precision — no shortcuts.
Finishing
Finishes are applied in thin, even coats and hand-rubbed between layers. Whether nitrocellulose lacquer or natural oil, the finish is chosen to let the wood resonate.
Wiring & Setup
Electronics are hand-wired point-to-point. The final setup — action, intonation, pickup height — is dialed in by feel and performance until the guitar plays exactly as it should.
Materials
Locally sourced. Carefully chosen.
Every piece of wood used in a Marques guitar is sourced locally and selected in person. Filipe works with trusted sawyers and small-scale suppliers who share the same commitment to quality. No imported blanks, no mystery wood — just honest material with a known origin.
Warm, sustaining tone with natural resonance. A cornerstone of the Marques sound.
Balanced and articulate — ideal for players who want clarity across the full frequency range.
Bright and snappy with excellent durability. Quartersawn for maximum stability.
Rich, complex feel underhand. Pairs beautifully with mahogany necks for a warm, organic response.
Lightweight with exceptional resonance. A rare choice that rewards players who seek something different.
Ready to start your build?
Every Marques guitar begins with a conversation. Tell us what you're after and we'll take it from there.