The Brahms Guitar Archive

A research-led public resource dedicated to the eight-string Brahms Guitar: its history, design, repertoire, performers, makers and evolving musical identity.

The archive brings together documented sources, performance practice and ongoing research.

A Living Archive

The Brahms Guitar Archive brings together material on the instrument’s history, repertoire, makers, performers and ongoing research. It is a growing resource, updated as new material and documentation become available.

Explore

What Is the BG?
Introduction to the instrument. What distinguishes it from other eight-string guitars.

History and Origins
The collaboration between Paul Galbraith and David Rubio, the early instrument and its later development.

Anatomy, Tuning and Playing Setup
Tuning, fan frets, construction and posture.

Paul Galbraith and the Legacy
The artistic work that gave the instrument its first identity and international visibility.

Repertoire Directory
Published editions, unpublished works and manuscripts, recordings and documented performance repertoire.

Players, Ensembles and Makers
An evolving directory of the people and institutions connected with the instrument.

Academic Research
Published studies, related scholarship, archival material and open research questions.

Corrections and Contributions
How to propose evidence-backed additions, sources and corrections.

Bibliography and Sources
A curated record of the principal sources supporting this archive.

Built Through Shared Knowledge

Corrections, additions and new documentation are welcome. If you have relevant material to share, please get in touch.