Slovenian maker Vlado Plateis crafts electric guitars from reclaimed car engine heads
Slovenian maker Vlado Plateis of Plateis Guitars transforms discarded car engine heads into handmade electric guitars, merging automotive culture with musical instrument craftsmanship. Each one-of-a-kind instrument takes about three months to build, with the original cast-metal form, markings, and weight retained as part of the guitar's identity. The project emphasizes slow craftsmanship and sustainability, turning waste into functional, expressive objects. Examples include models named Ghost (donor engine: Dodge DOHC 2.4L 16 valve, weight 5.4 kg), Mazda (donor engine: Mazda 323 F IV, weight 2.8 kg), Sorell (donor car: Toyota Corolla, weight 4.1 kg), and The Good (donor engine: Mitsubishi Colt 1.5 Petrol 2003-2009, weight 6 kg). The instruments are playable, balancing structure, tuning stability, and sound. Plateis Guitars appeals to guitar players, collectors, car enthusiasts, and design aficionados. The project was featured on designboom via its DIY submissions feature, edited by Christina Vergopoulou.
Key facts
- Vlado Plateis creates electric guitars from reclaimed car engine heads.
- Each guitar is handmade and one-of-a-kind, taking about three months to complete.
- The original engine head's form, marks, and weight are preserved.
- Models include Ghost (Dodge DOHC 2.4L 16 valve, 5.4 kg), Mazda (Mazda 323 F IV, 2.8 kg), Sorell (Toyota Corolla, 4.1 kg), and The Good (Mitsubishi Colt 1.5 Petrol, 6 kg).
- The instruments are fully playable, with balance, tuning stability, and sound considered.
- The project merges car culture, music, metalwork, and slow craftsmanship.
- Plateis Guitars was featured on designboom via DIY submissions.
- The article was edited by Christina Vergopoulou.
Entities
Artists
- Vlado Plateis
Institutions
- Plateis Guitars
- designboom
Locations
- Slovenia