Matt Artinger Koa Parlor

Condition new, built for the 2026 Artisan Guitar Show

My relationship with Matt Artinger goes back 25 years. I've collaborated with him on numerous builds as both a player and dealer, and his electric guitars have consistently impressed me. So when Matt dedicated an entire winter to building acoustics, I paid close attention.

This koa parlor is Matt's first all-koa acoustic, and what a way to start. The figured koa is visually breathtaking, particularly the deeply flamed back, where the bookmatched set shows off some of the most dramatic koa figuring I've seen. The old-growth Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, headplate, and bridge elevate this guitar into rare company. One look at the photos tells you Matt wasn't holding anything back for his Artisan Show debut.

Matt loves the tactile feel of parlor instruments, and that comes through here. This guitar surprised him with how loud and articulate it was right out of the gate, and he expects it will only get more colorful as it continues to open up. I can hear why. For a parlor, it has more voice than you'd expect, without losing any of the intimacy you want from a smaller body. The koa brings a warmth and sweetness with a clear, focused midrange that's hard not to fall for.

The appointments are exquisite. Pink abalone purfling and rosette, gold and white pearl inlays, the alternating torch headstock pattern on Brazilian rosewood, gold Waverly tuners with ivoroid buttons. Every detail on this guitar is considered and beautifully executed. The K&K Pure Mini pickup means this parlor is ready to go wherever the music takes you.

Matt put everything he had into this koa parlor, and it shows. It's his first all-koa acoustic, and a remarkable one at that.

If you'd like to find out more about this item, just call or e-mail me. It would be my pleasure to talk to you about it.

ABOUT ARTINGER GUITARS
Matt Artinger is one of those rare builders who pairs real engineering curiosity with genuine artistry, and it shows in every instrument that leaves his bench. What sets Matt apart is his range. He builds across the whole spectrum, acoustic and electric, solidbody and archtop, and does it all at a high level. His archtops with their unique designs, f-holes, and aesthetics are something special, and his use of rare woods and custom inlay turns each guitar into a work of art. He's forward-thinking, always pushing the design, but he stays rooted in the organic, earthy feel of the classics.