Music, Guitars, and Timeless Craft are my Passion.

I build these instruments by hand, one at a time, with the greatest care taken possible. I am only satisfied once it is just right.

I am also certified repair tech, and as such can perform various high quality repairs on any guitar, bass, ukulele, mandolin, or most any other stringed instrument. I am Taylor guitars silver certified repair tech as well. (See my Repairs page for details). Having extensive experience with electronics, I can also service and repair amplifiers (tube or solid state) effect pedals, and other electronics.

A little bit about me:

In October 2019, I studied with Sergei DeJonge in Chelsea, QC and started building classical and steel string guitars the traditional way. With time, patience, and love these instruments develop a spirit of their own.
In the spring of 2021 I decided to further my experience and went off to the Galloup Guitar building and repair School in Big Rapids, MI. This is where I honed my chops and brought my skills to the next level.

I am a proud member of the Guild of American Luthiers, Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans, the Guitar Foundation of America, and the American Musical Instrument Society.

A few Testimonials :

SB MacD

Providentially, I was introduced to Mark Laroche at approximately the same time last summer as I was able to obtain a recently-reissued instrument I'd had my eye out for since Gillian Welch's 'Hell Among the Yearlings' album: a small-bodied Epiphone Olympic archtop. Yes, the David Rawlings guitar. Gibson had done a nice job having several old-time Epiphone archtops reissued all at once with a few tweaks here and there, and this was one of them, a 2017 model.
If you know a bit about Mr. Rawlings' gear, you know that he always replaces the Olympic's stock bridges with a larger, solid piece of ebony ("...it behooves you to have as much wood touching the top as possible"), and honestly, the stock pickup bridge with the little wheels on my Olympic came with some funny overtones. I was playing it outside one fine evening and it was giving me a chorus pedal effect...and that while not even plugged in, seriously. I hadn't waited 25 years for that.
So I brought the guitar to Mark and explained everything. "And out with the electronics!" I said."I'll never use 'em anyway." He was ready and able to do the solid ebony bridge, but suggested something even better for longevity's sake, and after thinking on it for a bit (and in light of Mr. Rawlings remarks that his guitar's sound had darkened somewhat over the ears) , I decided to trust him and go for it. I have never regretted this decision.
The Olympic now sports a new hand-carved, hollowed-out ebony bridge, covering more of the top than the original and topped with a nice matching black horn saddle for probably decades more playing time. For playability, it hasn't lost a thing. For sound, Mark has actually improved the unmistakable tone of this little songbird.
Since then, Laroche Lutherie is my exclusive go-to for instrument issues, and Mark is a kind, professional guy who always goes the extra mile to do his research (often truly fascinating) and to think out the best solution for each instrument I've seen sent his way.

Robert Colosino Il y a 3 ans

Mark makes some of the finest instruments I have ever played. No matter if you're a beginner or pro, the experience of playing a Mark Latroche guitar will be something you won't soon forget.

I play a lot of guitars a year and after playing a few of Marks I could hear and feel something very special. An instrument that after you play it will keep you up at night thinking about it. I had always wanted an Ebony back and sides guitar and Mark had Ebony from India in his shop that was something special to see and touch. Matched with a Spruce top from Northern Italy, Mark built an instrument beyond compare. A guitar with a unique character where I can chart my own unique sound direction but also comfortably play familiar tunes on the couch.

The sound quality up and down the fretboard is a treat. A deep musical bass that somehow is always crisp and present. The mids and highs never fight for attention. Every single note played finds its place musically. From soft fingerstyle to hammering large open chords the guitars always just ask for more while giving you back more than you put in. That beautiful tonal separation, playability and consistency will make any player at any level just sound better.

I think every guitar player deserves a guitar like the kind Mark builds. Mark has a way of thinking about how guitars sound and feel that is something special. He really cares about building the world's best instruments that help people like you and I express ourselves musically regardless of where we are in that journey. He is also a super nice guy. But even if he was grumpy I'd still be thinking about my next Laroche guitar. But don't tell Mark :)

Robert Colosino

Anonymous client, about an Oscar Graf guitar repaired:

“ Man, I have to say, once I got home, warmed up properly and gave the Graf a proper go, I could not be more impressed.

Not a buzz or impure note to be found, plays with ease... I can't remember the guitar ever behaving this well, even in my prime. It's been 20 years, I may just see what new developments the hand doctors have these days and get myself repaired as well LOL...very inspiring a well playing instrument is.”