Ray Akira: The Precision Behind the Passion

I’m Ray Akira, founder of Shue Guitars — and my journey with the guitar started long before I ever touched a chisel or CNC machine.

I began playing guitar in 1996 and spent two full decades as a professional musician, performing across Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Singapore. From international cruise ships to TV shows and concert stages, music wasn’t just my job — it was my life. But in 2008, I started to see another path: one that would combine my deep understanding of tone with a relentless pursuit of craftsmanship.

Together with my wife, Sheryl Shan, I founded The Guitar Hospital, a workshop built on precision, not guesswork. I invested everything into the best tools and machines — laser cutters, CNCs, spray booths — and trained my team with strict SOPs to deliver world-class repair and restoration. From restoring pre-war Martin guitars to aging modern Strats into 70-year-old relics, our work spoke for itself. In time, we gained nearly 200,000 followers and a reputation for quality few could match.

By 2013, our skills caught the eye of an Italian boutique bass brand. They trusted us to produce their instruments — and we exceeded expectations. Their basses, once priced at USD 1,800, began commanding USD 4,000 to 5,000 thanks to the detail, finesse, and tonal integrity we delivered. But while building value for someone else, I had a realization: If I could elevate another brand, why not build my own?

In 2019, I officially launched Shue Guitars.

More than just a guitar brand, Shue is the embodiment of everything I’ve learned — in music, in craftsmanship, and in leadership. Every detail is designed in-house: from our proprietary SK-1 single coil pickups (developed with guitar legend Sham Kamikaze) to the Shue 58H tremolo bridge, made from hardened 58HRC steel and C24000 brass for unmatched tone and durability. Our neck joints? Reinforced with our VertexLock System for rock-solid stability and excellent tone transfer.

We’ve also developed our own active electronics — the Shue Mid Boost A and Mid Boost Bcircuits — giving players even more tone-shaping power under the hood.

In October 2024, we signed an MOU with FRIM (Malaysia Forest Research Institute), carrying a mission to promote Malaysian timber to the global guitar market. Our commitment to sustainability means every piece of wood we use is traceable and carries a story — from the moment it was planted to the moment it becomes music. We were proud to present a 100% Malaysian wood guitar with royal logo inlay to Raja Muda Perlis in December 2024, marking a historic moment in Malaysian luthiery.

Today, Shue Guitars is a growing team of 12, building premium instruments with integrity, originality, and soul — right here in Malaysia.

The world will play Shue — and we’re building every guitar like it already does.