The one-man shop based in Johannesburg, South Africa, is run by woodworker and furniture designer-turned-luthier Murray Kuun. After 20 years of designing and creating less musical wood creations like beds, kitchen countertops, and entertainment centers, Kuun decided to add luthier to his woodworking résumé. For about nine years, Kuun constructed violins ranging from the 18th century classical instrument to the hand-carved, jacaranda-based X-bow, which resembled a futuristic a crossbow more than a violin. Three years ago he moved into the world of archtops and acoustics. In a short amount of time, Kuun has developed several models, including the Norma Jean Family guitars dedicated to his favorite American actress, Norma Jeane Mortenson—aka Marilyn Monroe. Pictured: Sonata