Prestige Guitars' Journey

In an impressive achievement, Prestige Guitars, founded by Mike Kurkdjian, has marked its milestone of producing the 100th custom guitar entirely made in Canada.

Kurkdjian, who started his venture selling second-hand guitars online during high school, has transformed his passion for music into a successful business that has captured the attention of guitar enthusiasts and celebrities alike.

The 100th Guitar: 'Blueberry Blast'.

The 100th guitar, a stunning semi-hollow electric model named "Blueberry Blast," showcases the intricate craftsmanship that Prestige Guitars is known for.

The semi-hollow body features a meticulously crafted inlaid "Prestige" logo made from mother of pearl, underscoring the company's commitment to quality over quick fixes like decals.

Local Production and Sourcing

Kurkdjian transitioned his production operations from Korea back to North Vancouver just a year ago, enabling him to handle the entire manufacturing process locally.

This involved sourcing high-quality wood, often from the nearby Fraser Valley, to create unique and resonant instruments.

His factory is a hub of creativity, housing an array of specialized woodworking machines that aren't typically found in retail hardware stores.

Reflecting on His Journey

Reflecting on his journey, Kurkdjian shared, “Growing up in the ‘90s, listening to bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, I was naturally drawn to music.

When my family moved to Vancouver at 14, I found my first real connection through the guitar.”

His entrepreneurial spirit shone through even then; by the time he graduated high school, he was earning upwards of $200,000 annually through his online guitar sales.

A Go-To for Icons

Prestige Guitars does not simply cater to amateur musicians; it has become a go-to for international icons such as Slash and Shania Twain.

The involvement of such stars speaks volumes about the quality and artistry of the guitars produced.

Kurkdjian recounted how Slash, impressed by one of his colleague's guitars, commissioned custom pieces, demonstrating the evolving relationships that Prestige has formed over the years in the music industry.

Attention to Detail

Additionally, the materials used in the guitars are as varied as the artists who play them.

The factory's wood library boasts a mix of local and exotic woods, including spalted maple from Canada and rare koa from Hawaii.

This attention to detail in wood selection and construction contributes significantly to the distinctive sound and aesthetic of each instrument.

Commitment to Craftsmanship

As Prestige Guitars continues to grow and innovate, it remains committed to maintaining its Canadian roots and artistry.

With aspirations to create even more unique instruments, Kurkdjian invites musicians of all backgrounds to experience the craftsmanship that has defined his company’s journey.

Future Developments

Stay tuned for future developments from Prestige Guitars, as they continue to set new standards in the music industry and elevate the love for handcrafted musical instruments!