Looking for a new guitar? How about one produced via the same techniques used to build Japanese temples, designed by a Ferrari designer?

The Questrel Swood guitar from Glide Garage is made using local Japanese wood and traditional woodworking techniques of the Rikuzentakata area in northeastern Japan. The body is made of Japanese alder; the neck is Japanese maple; and the fingerboard is rosewood or Japanese maple, with the parts fitted together using the same techniques that enable Japanese temples and shrines to be constructed without nails or glue.

Another key innovation is a metal frame fitted in the center of the guitar's body, adding sharpness and power to the sound. The guitar was designed by Ken Okuyama, who also designed the Enzo Ferrari, built in 2002 using F1 technology.

Glide Garage is based in the town of Onagawa, Miyagi Prefecture. The town was devastated by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, and the region has encouraged the development of young companies with fresh ideas as part of ongoing reconstruction efforts. The first completed Swood guitar was presented to the mayor of Onagawa on December 17, 2016, with the company now aiming to produce 200 guitars per year. You can inquire about a purchase (in Japanese) below!