Our ambitious new video podcast series, The Luthier Sessions, is officially up and running. Available to watch on YouTube and on Spotify, this 10-part project follows the creation of a singular, master-grade McClaren P-16 acoustic guitar from raw timber to finished instrument.
But there’s a twist: in each episode, a world-class musician joins me at the workbench in my North Yorkshire workshop, trading their instruments for chisels, planes, and rasps to help build a piece of this guitar. Once the final coat of finish cures and the strings are tuned, this unique instrument that has been crafted by the hands of ten legendary artists, will be gifted to a young songwriter under 30 to help them start a story of their own.
We are three episodes into the build, and the soul of the P-16 is already taking shape. Here is how the journey has unfolded so far:
Episode 1 – Katherine Priddy – The Luthier Sessions
To get a guitar started correctly, you need someone who understands the poetry of raw materials. Acclaimed folk artist Katherine Priddy was the perfect first guest to set the tone for the entire project.
Katherine stepped up to the bench to help select the premium tonewoods that will define the acoustic voice of the P-16. From there, she jumped straight into the technical deep end—learning the precise, delicate process of joining the two halves of the master-grade Alpine Spruce soundboard. While waiting for the glue to cure, Katherine spoke candidly about the creative pressures and inspirations behind her breathtaking latest album, ‘These Frightening Machines’.
Episode 2 – Andrew Cushin – The Luthier Sessions
With the soundboard joined, it was time to add some structure and decorative artistry. For Episode 2, indie-rock trailblazer Andrew Cushin walked through the workshop doors and was immediately handed some of the most nerve-wracking jobs of the entire build.
Carving a guitar neck requires absolute precision, and inlaying a delicate rosette into a soundboard leaves zero margin for error. We might have been secretly terrified that Andrew was going to lose a finger right before his next tour, but he threw himself into the work with incredible focus. Watching a raw heel take shape under his hands while discussing his rise through the UK music scene made for an unforgettable session.
Episode 3 – John Smith – The Luthier Sessions
Acoustic guitar bracing is where the magic happens; it dictates how the wood vibrates, resounds, and projects tone. This job requires someone with an immaculate ear, which made virtuoso guitarist and songwriter John Smith the ultimate guest for Episode 3.
John joined me at the bench to shave and tune the spruce bracing down to the exact millimetre. It’s an intimate, highly technical process where craft meets acoustic engineering. Between the steady sound of planing the bracing, John gave us an unparalleled look into his approach to performance, tunings, and the inner mechanics of a songwriter’s mind. If you’ve ever wondered how a master musician listens to an instrument before it’s even assembled, this episode is a masterclass. John also discusses his latest release ‘Gatherings’ and what the album means to him.
Shared Values: Built to Last a Lifetime
We are incredibly proud to have Nudie Jeans Co. partnering with us as the official sponsor of The Luthier Sessions. For each episode, they graciously outfit both myself and our guest artists in their premium, sustainable raw denim and apparel.
The partnership was a natural fit. Nudie Jeans shares the exact same “Wear and Repair” philosophy that guides every instrument built at McClaren Guitars. We don’t believe in disposable culture. Whether it’s a beautifully aged pair of selvedge denim or a bespoke acoustic guitar, these items are designed to be used heavily, maintained with pride, repaired when necessary, and built to last more than a lifetime.
How to Follow the Build & Win the Guitar
New episodes of The Luthier Sessions drop regularly on our YouTube and Spotify channels.
- Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: Sam McClaren Guitars
- Apply to Win the Finished P-16: If you are an aspiring musician under 30 (or know someone who is), keep an eye on our episode descriptions for the official entry link to win this incredible, artist-built guitar when the series concludes.
