Today we’d like to introduce you to Avishay Shabat.
Hi Avishay, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey began in Israel after completing my army service. I enrolled in a two-year sound engineering program at the Yoav Gera School while working as a sound engineer at the Yellow Submarine in Jerusalem and supporting various live performances. Over time, I transitioned into guitar tech work for several local acts and began doing repair work. It was during this period that I discovered Jacob’s Luthiery School. I enrolled and began crafting my first guitar—a process that instantly sparked a deep passion.
Driven by that inspiration, I opened my own guitar repair shop in Israel. In 2007, seeking new opportunities, I moved to Los Angeles, where I worked at local repair shops while continuing to take on independent projects. My breakthrough came when I landed an apprenticeship with Lance Lerman, founder of LSL Guitars. I spent three years learning the craft under his guidance and refining my skills.
Armed with that experience, I launched my own business, officially opening a repair shop and building guitars under the Shabat Guitars brand. Word spread quickly, and more artist friends began playing my instruments. Through years of dedication and craftsmanship, I’ve grown into a full-time luthier, now producing around 300 instruments annually. Today, my shop is proud to serve an incredible roster of artists, including Justin Derrico (Pink), Dweezil Zappa, and Chris Traynor (Bush), to name just a few.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey hasn’t been without its share of obstacles. When I arrived in Los Angeles, I had just $10,000 to my name and had to start from scratch. I didn’t know anyone, so I had to get out there—meet people, build connections, and learn how the local scene worked. To make ends meet, I worked as a sound engineer while trying to turn my passion into a viable business. That shift—from hobbyist to professional—was one of the biggest challenges, and in many ways, it still is.
Another ongoing challenge has been being far from my family back in Israel. The distance hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned to push through and make it work.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I used to do everything around the shop, but these days my main focus is running the business and overseeing final wiring and assembly on our guitars. As a builder, one of the most important things is improving efficiency—developing fixtures, jigs, and systems that make the process smoother, more consistent, and more precise. It’s a constant battle, but one that defines great craftsmanship.
We’ve built a reputation for creating guitars that feel like home—like they’ve been played for 50 years and are ready to inspire the moment you pick them up. They’re approachable, stable, and reliable no matter where you are in the world. Ultimately, each instrument is a tool for creativity, built to spark inspiration and withstand the demands of a working musician.
I’m incredibly proud of the instruments we build and the community that’s grown around them. We’re endorsed by some of the world’s top musicians, and nothing is more rewarding than seeing our guitars on stage or hearing from players who say their Shabat is the best guitar they’ve ever owned.
What sets us apart is that we’re not afraid to take risks. We experiment, we play, and we keep the process fun. That spirit creates a unique and open canvas for our customers to collaborate with us and bring their dream guitars to life.
Pricing:
- 3000-5000$ price range
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.Shabatguitars.com
- Instagram: @shabatguitars
