The Guitar Show in Bologna is proud to feature on the cover of the 2025 catalog an instrument that perfectly embodies the pursuit of innovation and originality in contemporary luthiery: a creation by Florian Lüttke, founder of Unicut Guitars.
A German luthier with a unique background as a master cabinetmaker in fine art and antiques, Lüttke brings to the world of electric guitars a distinctive aesthetic sensibility and uncompromising craftsmanship. His acclaimed “Shoto” series, drawing inspiration from the elegance of Japanese swords and characterized by a unique stylistic signature such as the beveled perimeter, has become a benchmark for those seeking an instrument that is as much a visual work of art as it is a high-performance sound machine.
In this exclusive interview, we explore the vision, inspirations, and creative process of a luthier who is redefining the boundaries of guitar design.
“The initial spark came from observing a katana,” Lüttke explains. “The first draft of the Shoto was drawn in just thirty minutes, and I haven’t changed a single line since. At the time, I hadn’t fully realized the significance of the beveled edge (which references the sword blade) or the countless aesthetic possibilities it would open up.”
Over time, he has pushed this feature to its fullest expressive capacity without ever altering the original concept. But the design is not just about looks—functional aspects are equally important, like the deep cutaway and the top-mounted jack, now modified to accommodate all plug types, including compact wireless systems.
At the heart of his work lies a deep connection with wood—not just raw material, but a living source of inspiration. “I’m guided by the grain and structure of each individual piece. That’s why I purchase mostly one-of-a-kind sets and then match them in terms of both tonal quality and appearance. I tap the wood to find fundamental frequencies that complement each other,” he says. His goal is to ensure that the grain flows naturally with the guitar’s shape, emphasizing its contours, as seen in the SHOTO model selected for this year’s cover. “I do use proven tonewood combinations, but I’m also open to more unconventional choices like bog oak for necks, tops, or fingerboards.”
Lüttke embraces tradition without being bound by it. “At heart, I’m a fan of Gibson and their tone and material combinations. But I never considered copying their design. My goal has always been to create something unique and unmistakable. You should be able to recognize who built the instrument at a glance. That’s very important to me.” He cites Ulrich Teuffel as a pioneer of radical guitar design and finds inspiration in a scene that is increasingly open to bold, unconventional ideas. “Teuffel once said about my instruments: “Finally someone showing edge and character!” I find it inspiring that more builders are embracing design innovation – it makes the guitar world more vibrant and diverse. I’m looking forward to that future!””
The guitar featured on the cover of the 2025 Guitar Show Bologna catalogue is not just an instrument—it’s a distillation of Florian Lüttke’s artistic language. “It all started with the top wood,” he recalls, “a spectacular piece I found at a tonewood supplier that immediately inspired me to match it with equally expressive materials.” The result is a guitar where every element is carefully orchestrated to serve both visual impact and sonic integrity: a body of Bloodline Khaya mahogany body combined with the maple top provides a powerful tonal foundation, while the birdseye maple neck and stained flame maple fingerboard add the clarity and definition. At its core, the EMG “Het Set” pickups provide a bold and uncompromising voice.
This guitar is a manifesto: bold, precise, and unapologetically original.
While custom commissions have helped him refine his skills, the Shoto series remains his truest form of self-expression.
“With custom builds, I’m bringing someone else’s vision to life, not my own. Going forward, the focus will be entirely on my SHOTO guitars, and I’ll only take on custom builds occasionally. A new website is currently in development that will be fully dedicated to this focus.”
A seamless blend of form, sound, and meaning. The guitar featured on the 2025 Guitar Show Bologna cover represents more than aesthetic innovation: it’s a statement of identity, a vision of luthiery as living art, where every detail speaks with intention.