Mark Usherovich

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Mark Usherovich has been building fine handmade classical and flamenco guitars since 2004. His journey began in Jerusalem, Israel, where early work crafting wooden skin drums shaped his understanding of vibration and resonance, and he later studied with the American maker Tom Blackshear of San Antonio, absorbing Blackshear's fine tuning technique and his approach to body resonance and sound direction. Now based in Niagara Falls, Ontario, he draws inspiration from Santos Hernandez, Antonio de Torres, and Miguel Rodriguez, as well as from the violin and cello, and treats each guitar as a one of a kind personal expression.

Usherovich aims to combine the sound of traditionally built instruments with modern power, dynamics, and playability, and his construction reflects a conviction that every element contributes to the sound: the weight of the tuners, the mass of the headstock, the geometry of bridge and saddle. He builds carbon lattice guitars and double tops, including a proprietary carbonized spruce process that gives a new top the open response of an aged one, over a delicate seven fan inspired architecture. Complete instruments weigh under 1,300 grams, and each carries a hand drawn calligraphy label made by his wife.

Our relationship with Mark has grown into a true collaboration. We commissioned his first double top, a 2025 cedar and balsa instrument with a thunderous low end and extraordinary dynamic range, and each guitar since has been more refined than the last. His 2026 carbonized spruce double top is, in our view, his finest work yet: deep, expansive basses, singing trebles, and a rare combination of clarity and sustain, in a guitar that feels like one cohesive vibrating system. New builds arrive regularly, and our expert team is glad to discuss reserving one.