"My designs are largely inspired by, and based off of the department store catalog instruments I consider to represent a peak of creativity in the electric guitar industry. I’m constantly trying to improve and evolve those designs for contemporary needs and standards, acknowledging and respecting the past while looking toward the future."
~ Nic Delisle
Montreal-based luthier Nic Delisle has been crafting some of the most unique electric guitars on the market for years.
His love for famed catalogue guitars of the 50s and 60s shines through in his work, taking those wonderful mid-century concepts into the modern era with taste, refinement, and a keen eye for artful design that tows the line between familiar and fresh.
Design-Driven Individuality
Inspired by vintage department-store oddballs, Island guitars celebrate the left-of-center side of electric guitar history - reimagined with precision and flair.
Built by Hand, Built with Purpose
Each instrument is made by founder Nic Delisle and his small team in Montreal using a mix of old-world techniques and innovative materials. These are guitars with soul and intent.
Artistry in Every Detail
From custom inlays to non-traditional body shapes and finishes, Island Instruments blend artistic expression with rock-solid functionality - truly one-of-a-kind tools for creative players.
Island Instruments FAQ
Common questions about Island Instruments - who builds them, what makes them different, and where to play them.
Where can I buy an Island Instruments guitar near Boston?
The Music Emporium is an authorized Island Instruments dealer. We keep a selection in stock at our Lexington, Massachusetts showroom near Boston, and players from across New England can try them in person or reach out to ask what's currently on hand.
Who builds Island Instruments guitars?
Island Instruments are built by Nic Delisle, a luthier based in Montreal, Quebec. Each instrument is made by Nic and his small team using a mix of old-world techniques and innovative materials, with a design philosophy rooted in mid-century catalog guitars reimagined for contemporary players.
What makes Island Instruments guitars different from other boutique electrics?
Island Instruments draws on department-store catalog guitars from the 1950s and 60s - instruments Nic Delisle considers a peak of creativity in electric guitar design - and reinterprets them with modern precision and refinement. The result celebrates the left-of-center side of electric guitar history, with custom inlays, non-traditional body shapes, and finishes that blend artistic expression with rock-solid functionality.
What pickups do Island Instruments guitars use?
Island Instruments guitars are built around Gold Foil pickups, a vintage-style pickup known for its bright, articulate, slightly lo-fi character - a natural fit for instruments inspired by mid-century catalog guitar design.
What Island Instruments models does The Music Emporium carry?
Our Island Instruments selection includes models like the Espeto, Forty-Four, Atoll Baritone, and DelAir. As an authorized dealer, our stock reflects what's currently been built, so it's worth checking with us directly for the latest availability.