max baranet - master guitar builder
A Master for 50 Years
Peter "Max" Baranet was the undisputed king of guitar building for 50 years. With a knowledge of electronics and woodworking that surpassed even the founding fathers of guitar building themselves, Max was able to build guitars that kept the tone and feel of classic 50s instruments with newer and better parts that made them easier (and more FUN!) to play.
While there are many secrets to what makes a MAX guitar head and shoulders above all others, a key ingredient was the materials Max used to build. He bought only the finest wood, unavailable worldwide after the 1970s. He also used the same binding materials that 1950s manufacturers used, which provided joints that enhanced tone and sustain, unlike the plasticizers of today that effectively act as dampeners.
However, there remains one final element that makes a MAX a MAX, and it has nothing to do with wood or glue.
It is the soul of the builder himself. Max personally played each and every guitar until it evoked the kind of spirit that would enable its eventual owner to bring out the "max" in his creative ability. Max didn't build guitars to sit in glass display cases, he built them to be played...as loud as possible! When you plug one in, you'll know what we're talking about.
Max passed away in 2023 but his spirit lives on in his instruments. A select number of his guitars remain available for purchase, contact info@maxguitars.com for details.
Max & Les Paul Himself
Max and Les Paul were personal friends and met many times to share tricks of the trade. Max conducted the last interview with Les before Mr. Paul passed away in 2009
Max & Kirk Hammett
Max was well known to every professional guitar player as THE name in custom and replica guitars