Antonio Guitars
Antonio Guitars
Also known as: Antonio Custom Guitars
ClaimedAntonio Guitars is a boutique builder of handcrafted electric guitars based in Romania, founded and run by luthier Augustin Cristian Apostol. The shop operates as a one-luthier custom operation, producing small numbers of high-end instruments built around premium tonewoods, custom inlays, and elaborate finish work. Apostol's background includes more than a decade of customizing and modifying pr...
Antonio Guitars is a boutique builder of handcrafted electric guitars based in Romania, founded and run by luthier Augustin Cristian Apostol. The shop operates as a one-luthier custom operation, producing small numbers of high-end instruments built around premium tonewoods, custom inlays, and elaborate finish work. Apostol's background includes more than a decade of customizing and modifying production instruments from Gibson, Fender, and ESP, with a particular focus on recreations of James Hetfield-style guitars before launching the Antonio Guitars line.
The brand's catalog leans heavily toward rock and metal aesthetics, with original designs sold under names such as the Gladiator, Vulturus, Pirate, Razor, Atlas, and Pure, alongside one-off commissions like the Spirit of the Whisper, Sunfire, and Abyss Kraken. The Vulturus, an Explorer-style body, reflects the shop's Metallica-inspired roots, while other models explore more sculptural, ornamented body shapes. Most builds are private commissions rather than series production, with customers specifying woods, hardware, electronics, and inlay artwork.
Antonio Guitars operates under the tagline "Dare to be Different," and its work has been discussed on enthusiast forums such as My Les Paul Forum and The Gear Page, where the instruments are noted for their unconventional visual designs and detailed handwork.
Antonio Guitars has 2 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Solid Body Electric Guitars. Their gear is featured by 1 artist, with the strongest followings in Rock and Metal. Notable users include Kai Hansen.