"Whether you’re in front of a microphone on the stage or in the studio, or whether you’re playing for family and friends in the living room, this is an heirloom-quality instrument that you’ll be able to rely on for a lifetime."
~ Matt Arcara
Matthew Arcara blends the mind of an engineer with the soul of a player. A National Flatpicking Champion and seasoned touring musician, Matthew builds guitars shaped by both performance experience and deep study of the golden-era Martins that inspired him.
Every MGA guitar is a hands-on creation, crafted with hide glue, voiced with care, and rooted in the sound and spirit of the '30s. Informed by years spent on stage and in the shop, Matthew’s instruments deliver balance, power, and tonal nuance tailored to each player.
Pre-War Martin Inspiration, Modern Precision
Arcara’s designs draw deeply from the golden-era Martins of the 1930s and ’40s, blending time-tested tonewood choices and bracing patterns with the precision and consistency of a modern hand-builder.
Built by a Flatpicking Champion
As the 2006 National Flatpicking Champion, Matthew Arcara approaches guitar building from a player’s perspective, crafting instruments that excel in projection, clarity, and responsiveness - perfect for traditional and modern acoustic styles alike.
Handcrafted Start to Finish
Every Arcara guitar is built entirely by Matthew in his Maine workshop - from selecting and carving the braces to shaping the neck - ensuring each instrument is a one-of-a-kind creation with its own distinct voice.
Arcara Instruments FAQ
Common questions about Arcara guitars and banjos - the builder, the craft, and where to find one near Boston.
Where can I find an Arcara instrument near Boston?
The Music Emporium in Lexington, Massachusetts is an authorized Arcara dealer. Matthew Arcara builds in South Portland, Maine - a fellow New England maker - making these instruments a natural fit for our showroom near Boston. Because Matthew builds everything himself, inventory is limited and rotates; reach out or check the page to see what is currently in stock.
Who is Matthew Arcara?
Matthew Arcara is a luthier and musician based in South Portland, Maine, and the 2006 National Flatpicking Champion. He approaches instrument building from a working performer's perspective - years spent on stage and on tour directly inform the projection, balance, and responsiveness he builds into every instrument. Each Arcara guitar or banjo is handcrafted from start to finish by Matthew himself in his Maine workshop, using hide glue and construction methods rooted in the golden-era acoustic tradition.
What are Arcara guitars inspired by?
Matthew's acoustic guitars draw deeply from the pre-war Martins of the 1930s and '40s - the dreadnoughts and orchestra models widely considered the high-water mark of American flat-top building. He studies specific historical instruments, then builds from those bracing patterns and design principles using modern precision and his own playing experience to guide the voicing. The result is an instrument with historical soul and contemporary reliability.
Does Arcara build banjos as well as guitars?
Yes. Matthew builds both acoustic guitars and banjos, with the same start-to-finish handcraft applied to each. His banjo work includes models like the Whyte Laydie - a historically inspired design built with the same care and playing-oriented voicing as his guitars. Contact us to discuss what instruments Matthew currently has available or in progress.
What does "hide glue construction" mean and why does it matter?
Hide glue is the traditional adhesive used in pre-war instrument building, made from animal collagen. It dries harder and more brittle than modern synthetic glues, which most builders believe allows the wood joints to vibrate more freely and transmit tone more efficiently. It is also reversible with heat and moisture - useful for repairs and restorations. Using hide glue is a deliberate choice that connects Matthew's instruments to the acoustic tradition he draws from.