MEET THE TEAM
Marin
Founder - CEO
My name is Marin Nourry-Belforti, and I’m the founder of Belforti Instruments Inc.
What led me to guitar building is a rather long story that started years ago. I began my musical career on the oboe, then moved on to the guitar to emulate the guitar heroes I admired at the time, but something was missing.
When I was 13, I picked up my first bass, and all of a sudden I found my spirit instrument. Often relegated to a background role but structurally important in the music ensemble, I always found something beautiful in this pivot position, balanced between the rhythmic and melodic sections. I always loved having a key role without being on the front stage, this suited my rather shy nature perfectly.
After some early stage experiences and a brief stint studying design and applied arts, my path led me to pursue another of my long-held interests in animals, specifically marine life.
I studied and worked for a few years in the marine biology field, going from research centers to organic farms, from New Caledonia to Madagascar. It was during one of those missions that I bought myself an acoustic bass, so I could start playing again around the campfire during our weekly desert island trips. This restarted the flame and made the passion for bass even stronger.
The new caledonian marine life research center (Adecal/Ifremer)
Coming back from a challenging and eye-opening mission in Madagascar, I needed to take a step back and decided to start building myself a bass to meditate. Even though this instrument was far too complex for my skills at the time, I received some positive feedback and encouragement to continue this adventure. A couple of basses followed, slowly, far too slowly improving. So I decided to go pro and put everything I had into this new path.
The OSO Farming organic farm of Ambavanankarana, Madagascar
I went and completed the long-term program at the Crimson Guitar School in the United Kingdom in 2020, where I designed 3 unique basses that you can see on this website. After this first training, I felt that another step was needed in order to build better and more professional instruments.
A good friend told me about the prestigious Galloup Guitar School, which I joined in late 2021 for a Master's Program. With these first six months of intense training, I decided to push for the two extra graduate level classes, carrying my instruction to the maximum that is available in what can be considered the best guitar building school in the world. It is here that I also obtained a Taylor Guitars Silver Certification
In my last graduate class, I was given the possibility to build my own prototype with the Galloup Team’s help, a privilege rarely given to students. This instrument bears the serial number "001," being the very first official Belforti Instrument.
The Belforti N°001
In parrallel of this training, I started around 2021 designing and building what became later Belforti Instruments®. My long term goal has always been to create a company that designs and produces state-of-the art luxury guitars and basses, and it took me a couple years to slowly refine the concept, from the design language to the graphic identity.
I chose to name the company Belforti after my mother's and grandfather’s family name. This choice enables me to pay respects to my Italian ancestors, carrying my grandfather’s family legacy, and it will anchor this name in timeless instruments that hopefully will inspire musicians all over the world
While developing this company, I had the precious help and advice of several amazing guitar builders and friends from around the world, whom I will never thank enough for their kind words and encouraging support. Special thanks to Paul Lairat, Nikola Adamovic, Marcel Furlanetto, Bryan Galloup and his amazing team, my friends Léa and Sasha, Orlando, Dan, Nicolas, David, my loving family, and all those who gave me confidence and strength in this beautiful adventure
And here we are, with a turning point in the year 2023, launching the Belforti Shop in France, moving towards a commercial launch in early 2024 !
The Galloup School advanced graduate classes 2022 alumni, Charles Leeroy Hess V (U.S.A), Hsiu Hao Chang (Taiwan) and your favorite french luthier, with his notorious “resting bass face”
Kaz
Apprentice - CMO - Coffee Machine Operator
Meet Kaz Nguyen, a vibrant addition to the Belforti Instruments team, whose passion and skill set make her an invaluable asset. At just 19 years old, Kaz has already amassed a notable experience in repair and setup, showcasing a natural aptitude and dedication to the craft of lutherie that belies her years. Her work embodies the meticulous attention to detail and innovative approach that Belforti Instruments is renowned for.
Currently honing her expertise, Kaz is pursuing a CAP in Musical Instrument Craftsmanship (ATIM) at ITEMM, France's premier institution for music technology and craftsmanship. This program is grounding her in the foundational skills and theoretical knowledge that are essential to becoming a master luthier.
Kaz’s journey in the world of lutherie is set to continue as she plans to advance her studies with a BMA in Musical Instrument Craftsmanship at ITEMM. This further education will not only refine her existing skills but also broaden her understanding of instrument design and acoustics, promising to unlock new levels of creativity and precision in her work.
At Belforti Instruments, we believe in nurturing talent and are excited to see how Lilas's fresh perspectives and evolving skills will contribute to our tradition of excellence. Stay tuned to witness the innovative designs and exceptional craftsmanship that Kaz will bring to our bespoke instruments.
Yuri
CEO - Cat Executive Officer
Introducing our supreme Cat Executive Officer (CEO), Yuri, who holds the highest office in the company with unshakeable confidence. Carrying himself with the poise and dignity of a lion, Yuri is nothing short of an embodiment of authority, always watching over the company with his keen eyes that miss nothing.
Never one to shy away from making tough decisions, he's regularly found meditating on high perches or in sunlit corners, contemplating the best ways to ensure we deliver on our promises. His favorite meeting spot? The cozy lap of the nearest available colleague - a strategy to ensure a regular flow of ideas (and scratches).
Yuri's charisma and mysterious charm set the tone for our work environment, inspiring creativity, warmth, and a touch of whimsy in our daily tasks. He has taught us that balance is key, mastering the art of working hard (usually involving a chase after an elusive red dot) and resting harder (usually sprawled across Marin’s keyboard).
His mastery of resource allocation is unparalleled, ensuring every patch of sunlight, every cozy blanket, and every attention minute is utilized to its fullest potential. A true leader, Yuri’s dedication to his role ensures that our operation purrs along smoothly, living up to the standards that only a feline of his stature could set.
Yuri, with his sleek coat and wise eyes, brings joy to our workdays and keeps our spirits high. His guidance, though often expressed in purrs and tail flicks, remains invaluable to us. Here's to our Cat Executive Officer, a purrfect leader in every sense.
Ebi
CFO - Chief Feline Officer
Meet Ebi, the dynamic and energetic Chief Feline Officer (CFO) of our company. Despite her many naps and relentless pursuit of laser pointers, she excels in her role, providing key oversight, bringing a playful spirit to the team, and taking charge of the highly critical task of "mouse" management.
Ebi ensures every bit of our business is up to scratch, taking a paws-on approach to company morale, regularly performing routine purr-sonnel checks on staff's and customer’s lap availability and readiness to provide belly rubs at a moment's notice. With her keen eye for detail (especially when it comes to suspiciously moving guitar strings), she keeps the workplace environment invigorating and lively.
From grooming to prowling, Ebi's approach to her role is both ambitious and flexible. This inquisitive feline doesn’t let a running dust collector or buffing wheel deter her from her path. Indeed, her curiosity is a constant reminder to us all to never stop exploring, learning, and chasing after our dreams, even if they are, in her case, usually feathered or filled with catnip.
Ebi has played a crucial part in maintaining the creative atmosphere here, enhancing everyone's workday with her unique feline charm. With Ebi on board, we are assured that our operation runs as smoothly as her silky coat.
The Galloup Guitars School is an American luthery school located in Big Rapids, Michigan. It was founded by the reknowned luthier Bryan Galloup, and has been the training facility for a new generation of luthiers coming from accross the world during the last 30 years. It was thought from the beginning to be a place where knowledge would be passed from experienced builders to apprentices and students. To this day, it is undeniably the best guitar building school in the world, and it has the best training program for aspiring luthiers and techs.
Covering building, finishing, repairs, theory, and advanced technologies such as PLEK & CNC operation, and many more, the school’s philosophy emphasizes giving solid understanding and good foundations for students to build their careers on.
Backed by many of the most respected companies and luthiers, the school has acquired an excellent reputation within the industry. To name a few of them, Dan Erlewine, Bob Benedetto, the Taylor and Gibson companies, and many more put their trust in Bryan’s teaching and the school's training to find their future apprentices or employees.
The Crimson Guitar School is a guitar building school located in Dorset, United Kingdom. Founded by the master builder Ben Crowe, it is a school that allows students from all over the globe to train and learn the art of luthery, with a strong focus on freedom and personal initiative.
Multiple training courses are available, with the longest one enabling students to build their own instruments with limits close to zero. With the help of the teachers and apprentices, one can achieve almost anything in this school.
On top of providing professional guitar building training, Crimson Guitars produces luthery tools and supplies that are used by many builders, highlighting their understanding of the field.
Belforti® is a Taylor Guitars Silver certified warranty service center
The Taylor Guitars company is a renowned and respected guitar building company that has been producing world-class instruments for decades.
There are authorized warranty servicing centers for Taylor Guitars available all around the world. These service locations have successfully completed the Taylor Guitars-required training and are qualified to handle warranty repairs. Any Taylor Certified Service Center can accept direct warranty claims.
In order to obtain a Silver Certification, you have to attend a specific training that was approved by Taylor Guitars. The Galloup Guitar School is one of the only places in the world that is partnered with Taylor Guitars to enable students to obtain a certification. This is a testimony of how much trust the company puts in Bryan Galloup’s training programs.