Paulo Gonçalves

Product Designer and Luthier

I build guitars because I’ve always admired them — not just as instruments, but as objects. There’s something magical about their shape, their presence, and the way they invite you to create. For me, building guitars brings together everything I love: design, art, woodworking, metalworking, electronics… it’s one of the most complex and rewarding things you can make by hand.

My background is in product design. I’ve worked on factory floors, spent years around 3D printing, and always kept my hands busy — drawing, sketching, reading, building. Eventually, guitars became my focus. They’re challenging, beautiful, and deeply personal. And most importantly, I get to control the entire process, from the first design to the final setup.

What I Believe In

Futone is a mix of fun and tone — and that’s what I hope my guitars bring to you. I want you to play, in the full sense of the word. To explore, mess around, find your voice, and just enjoy the instrument.

I build each guitar slowly, with care, using a mix of hand tools and CNC where it makes sense. I design my own shapes — guitars that feel modern but carry that retro soul. They’re original, but familiar. Perfect for blues, rock, or whatever sound you’re chasing.

I care about sustainability, so I avoid endangered woods and try to use local species as much as possible. And I believe in quality that lasts. A good electric guitar should serve you for life, and if it’s made right, it can.

How I Think About Sound

Pickups matter — a lot. I wind my own, because I want full control over the voice of each guitar. But I also know that tone doesn’t come from one part alone. It’s like a football team: if the whole thing doesn’t work well together, the star player (the pickups) can’t do much.

My Vision

I don’t want to run a big company. I want to stay small, personal, and connected. Futone is just me, in my workshop in Portugal, making guitars for people who care about design, tone, and originality.

If one of my instruments helps you write a song, find a new sound, or just get lost in playing — then I’ve done what I set out to do.

Thanks for stopping by.

— Paulo