Gao with renowned Spanish luthier Antonio Marin Montero. CHINA DAILY

Gao says what many Chinese luthiers still lack in high-end guitar making is a deeper "understanding" and "perception" of the instrument itself. His experience as a performer has helped bridge that gap. Spain, widely regarded as the cradle of the classical guitar, has passed down its traditions and accumulated knowledge through generations of master builders.

It was during his time in Spain that Gao learned, for example, that the finest soundboards for premium Spanish-style guitars are often made from high-quality spruce sourced from the Fiemme Valley in the northern Alps at an altitude of around 1,500 meters. The same region supplied wood for the famed Stradivarius violins. Lightweight yet capable of producing remarkable clarity, the wood is highly prized among instrument makers. Gao also learned that every stage of guitar construction demands meticulous attention, from wood treatment and internal structure to component assembly and even the selection of the final finish.

"Guitar making is never like solving a math problem, and it doesn't have an exact formula. Every detail in the whole process comes from the accumulated experience of pioneers and also from luthiers' innovation. I see guitar making as a testament to collective creativity across generations," Gao says.

For Gao, guitar making is not merely craftsmanship but a form of "artistic creation". A guitar is far more than a box that produces sound; it is an artwork that reflects a maker's aesthetics, personality, life experiences and constant pursuit of innovation.

As technology advances and performance venues become increasingly diverse, guitarists are demanding more from their instruments, encouraging luthiers to continue pushing creative boundaries. Many modern classical guitars now incorporate aerospace technologies or carbon fiber materials into their soundboards to improve strength and project greater volume, particularly for larger venues and outdoor performances.

As a Chinese luthier proud of his country's rich cultural heritage, Gao has sought to incorporate elements of Chinese identity into his work. The rosettes on the two guitars that earned recognition at the Spanish competition draw inspiration from traditional Chinese geometric window-grille patterns combined with Japanese Hakone Yosegi Zaiku (marquetry wood mosaics), creating an elegant visual signature.

In other instruments, he frequently uses mother-of-pearl and shell carvings for decorative inlays. He is also exploring the use of locally sourced woods from different regions of China.

He tunes a guitar made at his workshop. GAO ERQIANG/CHINA DAILY

"We have already opened the door to the high-end guitar-making sector," Gao says. "As Chinese luthiers continue working toward the same goal and accumulating our own experience, I believe we will see more handmade guitars with a distinct Chinese identity shine on the global stage."

Building a high-quality guitar is a painstaking process. Working full-time as a luthier, Gao produces no more than 13 instruments a year. Benefiting from the keen tonal sensitivity developed during his years as a performer, he focuses on creating guitars with warm, delicate tones, rich dynamics, an authentic Spanish voice and a lasting Eastern character. His instruments are increasingly sought after by professional musicians and collectors from Germany, Spain, Japan, the United States and other countries.

As both a guitarist and a luthier, Gao has spent nearly four decades alongside the instrument he calls his "most loyal companion". The guitar has accompanied him through every stage of life, helping him express emotions, find friendship and resonance, and discover deeper meaning.

"The guitar is a record of my life," he says. "It contains my passion and what I hope to leave behind in the world. Even when my life comes to an end, my instruments will remain."

Asked about the secret to building a great guitar, Gao shares with China Daily an answer — and a life philosophy — that he first learned from Marin Montero: "Just slow down."