Conversations with Martin Bravo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Martin Bravo.

Martin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Migrated from mexico in the mid 70’s. Starting at B.C. Rich in 1977, Martin initiated his career at the age of 17, sweeping saw dust and wood chips in the BC Rich wood shop. As the years went by Martin was taught to build guitars from bare wood to high powered music machines. Although Martin knew the basics of building he became especially fond of painting. Mixing paint and expanding his array of colors became his passion.
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As the years progressed, Martin moved into B.C. Rich’s custom shop and soon after moved onto Valley Arts, working there throughout their entire tenure including the acquisition by Sammick music. Valley Arts was a pivotal point in Martin’s career as this was where he truly began mastering his art, working alongside veteran builders like John Guadesi and Karl Sandoval. Martin then went on to work for Yamaha’s Custom shop, a brief stint at James Tyler Guitars & Schecters custom shop and finally Thorn Guitars. Each company bringing on new experiences that helped mold Martin’s luthery and finishing skillset.
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In 2006, Martin decided to open up his own guitar shop. The new shop allowed him to build relations with artists, builders, collectors, and everyday musicians to create unique instruments. This shop is now known as Bravos Custom Guitars.
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Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Hasn’t necessarily been a smooth road, i think anyone whos ran a business or opened one can attest to that. Each factor that contributes to make an operating business, especially in guitars, presents many challenges. First of all you have to build clientelle in a community where with the most detail oriented people, a guitar is a small piece of art so every inc, every centimeter matters. Secondly, making a profit while you build the business up is difficult. First 2 years go into getting the right equipment, the right people, and putting your name out there while simultaneously surviving yourself. Luckily, I was very fortunate to meet other luthiers and guitar builders in LA who helped me out so much. Many mentored me, shared work and offered help with anything i needed. Theres a long list of those im grateful for, couldn’t have done it without those guys.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Im known for refinishing guitars. For years i worked as a painter in multiple companies. Learning the most basics of building to falling in love with painting. My shops known for custom guitar paint, graphics, relics , repairs, and our favorite which is vintage guitar restoration.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the vast amount of diverse people. You’ll meet people from other states and most importantly other countries who you’d otherwise wouldn’t run into in any other city. What do i least like ? Traffic of course.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Bravoscustomguitars.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravoscustomguitars?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==