About us
Our small company is located just north of central Hanoi, between West Lake and the Red River. And just as in Vietnam’s capital, where tradition and modern values meet, we bring together craftsmanship and the unique character of oil can guitars. As a team, we build instruments that are as unique as the people who play them.
And should you visit this beautiful country, you are warmly welcome in our workshop to see with your own eyes how we work.
Cees Verburg
- founder -
After publishing a modestly received novella and a short story collection — and after a not‑so‑successful career as a
singer‑songwriter — Dutch native Cees decided 25 years ago to change course and start a new life in Vietnam. He first devoted
himself to organizing tailor‑made trips, while building an extensive guitar collection in his free time.
But among the Les Pauls, the Fenders, and the Yamahas, one type of guitar was missing: an oil can guitar.
And when his two children eventually took over the now‑thriving travel agency, the question naturally arose:
why not build one himself? What began as a hobby has since grown into a full‑time occupation.
Cees now oversees the design, assembly, finishing, and final setup of every instrument.
You can contact Cees directly by sending him a message at [email protected]
Ly 'Cua' Nguyen
- artwork & design -
The highly talented Cua began her studies at the Academy of Fine Arts a decade ago. Due to personal
circumstances she had to stop early, so she can rightfully say she is self‑taught. She soon discovered
that working in a nail salon did little justice to her abilities, so when we asked her to create the
artwork for our guitars, she seized the opportunity with both hands. And speaking of hands: in Vietnamese,
‘Cua’ means ‘crab’. Anyone who looks at her work might well think that ten hands have been at work.
You can contact Cua directly by sending her a message at [email protected]
Do Viet Dung
- luthier -
Dung was born among instrument makers. For four generations, his family has been building traditional
Vietnamese musical instruments such as the đàn tỳ bà (a Vietnamese lute), the đàn bầu (a one‑string instrument),
and the đàn tranh (zither). After taking over his father’s workshop 25 years ago, he realized it was inevitable
to also focus on modern Western instruments. Since then, he has established his reputation as a guitar luthier,
with customers from around the world seeking him out for custom‑built guitars. He is also regularly asked to
restore rare Martins and Les Pauls. As one of Vietnam’s top luthiers, he has frequently appeared in the media — including CNN Asia.
On the international cultural channel of the Vietnamese public broadcaster VTC,
this introduction of Dung and his work appeared some time ago.
You can contact Dung directly by sending him a message at [email protected]
Thai Verburg
- - sales & pr - -
Both in her personal and professional life, Thai is a true mater familias. With her business‑minded approach,
she ensures that some of the wilder ideas stay within reasonable limits: building an oil can banjo? Creating
an eight‑string guitar? She doesn’t hesitate to hit the brakes when needed. She is your go‑to person for all
questions regarding orders, custom‑made guitars, or press inquiries.
You can contact Thai directly by sending her a message at [email protected]