About Us

Craftine Musical Instruments – Music. Legend. Design.

Craftine musical instruments’ incorporate celtic motifs throughout their design. The composition of each instrument is inspired by the celtic mythology that surrounds the name, Craftine. The great richness of traditional Irish music influences Craftine guitars, whistles and bodhrans, designed for comfort and playability in both practice and performance. 

The word Craftine comes from Celtic folklore and was the given name to a Celtic Kings court musician. Craftine (or Craiftine) is the earliest known musician mentioned in Irish folklore and famed in the legend of ‘The King with Donkeys Ears’.

The brand Craftine was established as a Guitar brand in 2011 by Gearóid Mac Giollarnáth along with expert advice from experienced luthiers from the old Lowden factory – now Avalon guitars, located in Country Antrim Northern Ireland.

Gearóid is a musician, business owner and lover of art, music and Irish history. He created the Craftine guitar with the comfort of the artist in mind. Drawing from his days performing and hours of practicing, resulting in the ‘bevels’ seen in the back & front side of the body and in the cutaway to create a place that the artist could comfortably ‘rest’ the instrument when playing as well as improving comfort when reaching upper frets. 

The original Craftine guitar was made in Ireland and was accompanied by a range of Dreadnought and Jumbo guitars made under strict specifications with our partner factory in China.

(The original Craftine Guitar featuring '3-bevels', back and front of body - under arm position and in the cutaway).

The very latest Craftine models are also made with at our Chinese partner factory, while at Craftine in Dublin we continue to develop our designs and product ranges in consulation with the very best luthiers & crafts people in Ireland.

Craftine Bodhráns are crafted by Michael Vignoles from his workshop in the west of Ireland, Claddagh County Galway. The Non Tuning Bodhrán range comes in a walnut finished shell covered with genuine goat skin, studded with a Celtic leather strap, single solid cross bar. The Tuneable Bodhrán Range in sizes 14, 16 & 18 inch, come in a natural black and walnut finish with key adjusting tuners.

Craftine Tin Whistles are available in the Key of D, in both a brass and nickel finish.

You will also find a range of accessories to complement our Craftine guitars and bodhráns.

Keep in contact with Craftine on social media and via our newsletter to watch our progress as we continue in our mission to deliver musical instruments, designed and hand crafted in Ireland.