Unga, Perry Vasquez, has been a master woodworker for over 25 years. He grew up in the Salinas Valley in California, and began his love of guitar making in high school woodshop. Over the years, Unga Guitars has been a staple for custom stringed instrument lovers nationwide.
He now resides and creates in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the Unga name has evolved into custom woodworking ventures under Unga Wood Works (UW2). Creations range from amp cabinets, shelves, tables, side tables, doors, frames and more! If you need something made out of wood, Unga is a celebrated choice among a growing list of satisfied customers.
In addition to being a practicing woodworker and luthier, Perry Vasquez, Unga, created and hosts the High Desert Luthiery Invitational, which is coming up on its 2-year anniversary in December of 2025.
Inspired by other guitar-centric shows he experienced over the years in California, such as the NAMM Show, the Healdsburg Guitar Festival, and the Central Coast Guitar Show, he found himself wanting more of a comprehensive luthiery experience.
He decided to create an event that is based on personal invitation and includes the whole spectrum of stringed-instrument makers, as well as luthier-adjacent contributors, such as those that make amplifiers, effects pedals, hardware, pickups, and other supplies used by luthiers in their craft. It is a collection of hand-selected artists for a purpose and a vibe of collaboration and support. It is free to the artists and free to the public!
In essence, the show becomes an educational and art-based experience that is intended to inspire its vendors and visitors, in contrast to the typical rock n’ roll circus, or cold and impersonal experiences at some shows and businesses specializing in stringed-instruments.