3-time Grammy-nominated artist,
Touted as a “gifted guitarist” by the New York Times
Check out some testimonials on my instruments presented by musicians below:
Mateusz Kowalski
Guitar number 562 is an extraordinary instrument. It possesses a powerful, warm tone that excels particularly in large venues and when collaborating with musicians playing other instruments. It is comfortable and highly responsive to vibrations. It tunes perfectly. The craftsmanship and meticulous attention to every detail are captivating! M.Kowalski
Mak Grgić – 3x Grammy® Nominee
offering a strong contemporary and colorful sound palette. I am excited to be a part of the journey of this wonderful luthier — Mak Grgić – 3xGrammy Award Nominee
Eleonora Perretta
I have entered his world of experimental and modern approach, yet a sophistication that has the taste of the best tradition of crafts. In addition, the refinement and the attention to detail into the construction ensure that the result is a true masterpiece. I am delighted to have met you Rafał, you are a great luthier and a lovely person.
Oscar Suh-Rodriguez
Thanks to Rafal’s great suggestions and designs, the instrument’s playability is exceptional. When preparing a piece, the instrument’s clarity really reveals the finer details of what I’m playing and what I need to refine. While improvising, I find myself reaching for and executing ambitious ideas I didn’t know I had in me. The guitar has been fantastic in developing my personality as a nylon-string improviser. The 25″ neck scale and fast response make for a highly reactive instrument, ready to execute any musical impulse. The guitar blends extremely well in live jazz band settings, thanks to the Carlos VIP microphone system and natural volume–the instrument shines in both percussive chord playing and single-note melodies.
The guitar’s construction is sturdy and beautiful. From the woods used to the unique look and function of the off-set sound hole make this guitar such a unique creature. Rafal was wonderful to work with and even helped make the customs process–which was new to me–quick and stress-free. Right out of the case, this guitar felt like it was built for me. It’s the instrument I didn’t know I was waiting for.
Oscar Suh-Rodriguez – guitarist, composer, music-educator, founder of and lead producer for the indie record label Kidokoro Records
Emmett Van Slyke
I just wanted to send a note of appreciation for the excellent craftsmanship and design execution that you put into my #412. After more than a year I can say that I connect with the instrument more and more each day. Many, many, thanks, Emmett – Composer/Producer/Sound Designer/Videographer/Editor/Guitarist
Michael Lindsey
Your guitars are beautiful and they are the best I’ve ever played! If I ever get another, it will be from you! Michael Lindsey – Classical Guitarist
Hiroshi Miura
Arrived instrument was a degree of perfection beyond the prediction. Such as Hauser, Bouchet,and Fleta, I have played other excellent instruments ,They are made in the traditional method of construction. In recent years, Guitarists have increased ,who use the instrument of represented by theSmoallman guitar of the lattice bracing and Dammann guitar of the double top, The first reason would be volume. Rafal guitar had already surpassed in the construction method of Wave Rezonator. His guitars had original elements of composition. Also, there are many original construction methods. It has given rise to very ingenious structure.Richly echoing the low-frequency, high frequency of great elongation, good balance in all positions, and beautiful tone these are features of his instrument. Day by day, while there are musical instruments of traditional instruments and modern Europe.his instrument is a top-level definitely in the world. His guitar has beauty and unparalleled sound quality, like the jewelry, which is really amazing thing.Guitarist Hiroshi Miura in Japan
Joshua Engler
I contacted Rafal asking for a basic classical guitar on an extremely short notice, and he was able to build me a guitar very quickly. It was shipped out soon after and packed very well to keep it safe during its cross-continental journey. Rafal is responsive and kind, and a genuine pleasure to talk with. He’s knowledgeable about his craft and a very trustworthy person. In terms of the guitar itself the action is set perfectly on both the nut and saddle with a relatively low action height making it very easy to play. I am very picky about everything being absolutely perfect on my guitars as I used to work in the music industry as a guitar tech. The guitar is very light similar to a flamenco and the bass response is the greatest I’ve ever felt or heard while playing a traditional classical guitar. I chose the Western Red Cedar top, and I’m glad I did. The entire body reverberates against your chest on the bass notes with instant transient response. I would describe the tone as very woody, hollow, open, and snappy with a fast attack. I do find that the guitar is much brighter and deeper in person than I expected which gives it tremendous depth from highs to lows. After testing many sets of strings my favourite were the classic nylon red from Augustine which tamed the top end and gave it an intense fullness and depth… One of the best tones I have ever heard from any wooden instrument. The fretboard is ebony and hollowed out for the acoustic tubes, which I found gives the notes more character and tone from the fretboard itself. As a player this also directs more sound towards you which sounds fantastic while practicing. As you move your plucking hand towards the neck of the guitar the tone becomes warmer as traditionally expected, however the attack on the notes actually increases as opposed to most guitars which do the opposite. As your plucking hand moves back towards the bridge the tone becomes brighter and increases the dynamic range of the instrument as you would expect. The fret work is perfect from the first fret to the last, and the bow in the neck is set exactly as I would expect. There is no obvious buzzing on this guitar on any frets. The finish on the pau ferro back and sides, and cedar top is done very well. The sycamore neck is brilliant and stiff, which lends a crisp tone to the nylon strings, not to mention it’s stunning to look at. The tuning machines are some of the best I’ve felt as they turn very smooth with great accuracy. Tonally I can’t recall playing any classical guitar with this level of dynamic range and responsiveness. While you may get more wood character from a 100 year old Torres, you will never find another guitar with the depth and range offered here. Turkowiak makes the ultimate modern classical guitar destined to become a classical icon with age; this is the next generation of classical guitar design.
Walter Downs
Once the world learns more of him, I am sure many will be beating a path to his Luthiery no matter where in the world they are…I have played many classical guitars, from the vintage to the modern, many of them from the best makers in the world. This includes the top modern Spanish, American and Japanese builders, and vintage guitars ranging from Domingo Esteso to Ignacio Fleta. In my opinion, you can expect a Turkowiak guitar to be at least equal to any of these, and BETTER than the MAJORITY of them. And to be considered too, are Mr. Turkowiak’s modern technological innovations and outstanding aesthetic beauty of his guitars in appearance. My suggestion to all is to buy a Turkowiak NOW, because I suspect that soon, Mr. Turkowiak’s waiting lists will extend so far in to the future, one will spend a lifetime waiting! — Walter T. Downs, Florida, USA
Joshua Wilson
I yearned for something distinct—something beautiful, dark, robust, and utterly unique, possessing a voice that would be just as extraordinary. Rafał Turkowiak has surpassed my expectations, creating an instrument that feels like an entirely new invention. The exceptional sound quality and contemporary innovations infused into this compact marvel are truly remarkable. I consider myself fortunate to have secured a portion of his time to craft an heirloom that will be cherished for generations.
Antonio Barresi
Adam Mikulski
Rafal Turkowiak’s guitar is an instrument like no other, very interesting sound, visually attractive, an interesting alternative worth considering
One of the finest young-generation classical guitarists