Diego vila guitars
EST. 2011 | Spain
Electric Guitars & Basses
“Built for the spotlight—guitars with the swagger of Brando and the soul of Simone.”
Diego vila | Luthier
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where design freedom, traditional craftsmanship, and a fearless creative spirit converge. Each guitar is built entirely by hand—from first sketch to final setup—reflecting Diego’s belief that instruments should adapt to the player, never the other way around.
Diego’s inspiration is drawn from many worlds: the glamour of classic cinema, the energy of Rock’n Roll, mid-century design, and the evolving needs of modern players. His flagship Austral model is named in honor of iconic screen legends—Lilian, Brando, Pola, Laura Palmer, Greta, Simone, and Joan—infusing each instrument with a sense of personality and drama. This cinematic connection runs deep; before becoming a full-time luthier, Diego worked in the film industry in his native Argentina, an experience that shaped his sense of storytelling through design.
While his finishes often nod to mid-century style—like vintage sparkles, celluloid pickguards, and traditional Spanish binding details—his approach is rooted in experimentation. He embraces unusual client requests, explores scale and construction variations, and studies how woods and materials interact to create warm, timeless tones suited for today’s music.
Diego builds for players who value individuality over imitation. His guitars are not factory-made instruments—they are personal, expressive tools that carry the identity of the musician wherever they go. Each piece is completed with two signature touches: a herringbone accent in tribute to Spanish guitar-making tradition, and his personal emblem—a Coral tree flower merged with flame—honoring his Argentine roots.
To Diego, the craft is more than lutherie: it’s about building relationships between musician and instrument, creating guitars that feel as good to play as they are to behold. His work is an intersection of art, tradition, and rebellion—rock’n roll with a soul, told with a Spanish accent.
Diego vila Guitars
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What Is a Dumble Amp? | Rhett Shull Explores Tone with Diego Vila Austral Guitar
Rhett Shull dives into the legendary sound of the Dumble amp—one of the most elusive and revered guitar amps ever made—while playing the handcrafted Austral by Diego Vila Guitars. Discover the magic of this boutique offset guitar paired with one of the most iconic amps in guitar history.
boutique guitar showcase en tour | 2017 - 2025
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“I name my guitars after screen legends because, to me, every instrument should have that same charisma—like a leading lady with a story to tell.” - Diego Vila
Diego Vila Guitars at NAMM 2023 | Rock’n Roll Glamour Meets Cinematic Design
Step into the world of Diego Vila Guitars at NAMM 2023 with B's Music Shop. Inspired by the golden age of cinema and the spirit of Rock’n Roll, each handcrafted Austral model is named after iconic screen legends—Lilian, Brando, Pola, Greta, and more. Featuring vivid finishes like Holographic Gunmetal Gray and Sienna Rose, these boutique guitars blend vintage drama with modern craftsmanship.
“Every curve, every finish, every note—it’s all part of telling your story.”
Diego vila | Luthier
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contributing to productions such as Talk to Her(2002), Cyrano de Bergerac (2012), and Asesinato en la villa (2010). His years behind the camera honed his sense of visual storytelling, composition, and attention to detail—skills that would later shape his approach to lutherie.
In his youth, Diego also played in a band with the man who would become Argentina’s president, a reminder of his deep roots in both music and popular culture. Eventually, a personal repair project on his own bass guitar sparked a fascination with instrument making. What began as curiosity evolved into a new career, supported by mentorship from a local luthier and years of self-directed learning.
Today, Diego lives in Spain with his wife and two children, building electric guitars and basses under his own name. He is an active member of the European Guitar Builders Association (EGB) and is known for his cinematic and Rock’n Roll-inspired designs, particularly his flagship Austral model named after screen legends. Whether on set or at the workbench, Diego’s work reflects the same principles—craftsmanship, creativity, and a drive to bring character and story to life.
gallery | Diego Vila guitars









