Charles Cao

Qingyuan, China

Charles Cao is a Chinese luthier and accomplished guitarist whose reputation has grown quickly among serious players. Working alongside his brother Patrick, he has built hundreds of traditionally constructed guitars, and his work is informed by close study of exceptional historical and modern instruments. That depth of study shows in every detail: his guitars carry the confidence of a maker who has absorbed the great traditions from the inside, and his modern double top designs rest on that deep foundation, giving them a rare blend of refinement and authority.

Cao's traditional work includes an homage to the Parisian master Daniel Friederich that captures not only the aesthetic but the sound: the plantilla, the rosette, the neck carve, and the weight and balance are all rendered with startling fidelity. His modern work centers on cedar double tops with a Nomex core over five fan bracing, often paired with wenge chosen for its Brazilian rosewood like tonal character. The aesthetic is restrained and purposeful, with clean lines, a simple rosette, and a Manuel Ramirez inspired headstock, keeping the focus squarely on sound.

Our experience with Cao's guitars has been remarkable. A 2025 cedar double top, collected directly from his workshop, proved impossible to put down: immediate, powerful, richly colored, and stable even at the softest volumes. A 2024 Friederich model built with his brother fooled us in hand, and we have handled the real thing. We visited Cao in China and filmed an in depth interview in his workshop for our YouTube channel, and we expect more of his instruments to come through the shop. Our expert team can advise on reserving the next arrival.