Hello
My name is Seán O'Mathúna and I am the man behind Awen Guitars.
I’m a luthier with years of hands-on experience, dedicated to building instruments that balance tradition, innovation, and playability.
From shaping my first guitar as a teenager to leading a school of lutherie, my journey has always centred on craftsmanship and a deep respect for the materials. Today, I build bespoke electric guitars designed to inspire players and stand the test of time.
My Story
I began working on guitars not long after I started playing—building my first electric guitar at just 16, less than a year after picking up the instrument. That early curiosity quickly grew into a passion for making. In 2017, I started my business crafting music-related wooden accessories like guitar and headphone stands, while also working in a local music shop in my hometown of Clonmel.
By 2018, I had taken the leap into full-time self-employment, expanding my offerings to include guitar repairs, servicing, and custom builds. Everything changed during the 2020 lockdown, when I entered the Great Guitar Build-Off, launching my Youtube channel properly, which now has well over 100 videos of guitar building content. Off the back of that project, I was invited to join Crimson Guitars in Dorset, England, where I began teaching at their School of Luthiery. Over time, I became Head Teacher, working with hundreds of students a year from around the world and refining my own skills in the process before branching off again to self-emplyment in the form of Awen Guitars.
My love for hand tools—especially vintage ones—really went into overdrive during my time at Crimson. In time, I hope to exploit that passion and turn it to making heirloom quality tools, especially hand planes.
Today, Awen Guitars represents the heart of everything I’ve learned so far—where music, woodworking, and thoughtful design come together in every build.
My Guitars
At Awen Guitars, every instrument begins with an idea shaped by a clear design direction. Whether a guitar is built for stock, commissioned within one of my established models, or something totally different each build starts with a defined intent and develops from there. From there, materials are chosen carefully for how they work together, structurally, aesthetically and sonically, with the aim of creating an instrument that feels cohesive, purposeful, and rewarding to play.
My builds have always combined vintage inspiration with modern refinement. I favour clean lines, subtle details, and intuitive design over flashy ornamentation—focusing on playability, balance, and character. I’m especially drawn to multi-scale instruments and ergonomics, preferring to blend them with that traditional vibe to create instruments that feel both fresh and grounded.
My build process remains hands-on throughout. I don’t rush builds, and I don’t cut corners. Time is taken where it matters, from shaping neck profiles to refining final details. My goal is simple: to create instruments that inspire players, feel great in the hand, and sound even better than they look.