Connect Directly with
Maalem Hassan Laaroussi
Whether commissioning a singular concert-grade Guembri sculpted from cured Essaouira thuja, scheduling a private acoustic sound trial in our medina courtyard, or booking an authentic Gnawa dance and polyrhythm masterclass, Maalem Hassan personally receives all correspondence with sacred hospitality.
No intermediaries. Speak directly with the luthier shaping your soundbox and curing your skins.
Maalem Hassan Laaroussi
Over three decades shaping the sacred sacred acoustic pulse of Gnaoua music inside Essaouira's ramparts.
The Yellow Workshop
A haven for acoustic tone searchers, collectors, and world artists entering Essaouira's timeless artisan quarter.
Sacred Khamsa Inlay
Every instrument carries protective symbology, organic beeswax polish, and concert-grade acoustic balance.
“Every instrument is crafted 100% by hand using time-honored spiritual traditions. Speak with me directly to find the tone that speaks to your hands and soul.”
Primary Workshop Communication Channels
WhatsApp Direct
Best for instant voice notes, acoustic sound samples, and live carving photo updates.
Official Email
Ideal for custom instrument dossiers, CITES certificates, and worldwide freight invoices.
Skype Video
Live virtual sessions to listen to timber resonance and inspect grain selection prior to dispatch.
Daily workshop chronicles, lila spiritual ceremonies, and raw skin preparation videos.
Facebook Page
Atelier schedules during Essaouira Gnaoua Festival and international lutherie reviews.
Commission an Instrument or Request Sound Trial
Every Yellow Workshop Guembri is uniquely commissioned to your tonal profile, acoustic scale preference, and ergonomic fit. Fill in your specifications below for a direct quote and workshop delivery estimate.
Medina Atelier Visit Guide
Visitors are warmly welcomed into the fragrant courtyard of the Yellow Workshop. Feel the resonance of thuja, observe the traditional stretching of raw dromedary neck hide, and try out finished concert guembris.
Enter through historic Bab Doukkala and head along the northern rampart corridor toward Rue Mohamed El Qorry. Look for the Ensemble Artisanal entryway where the aroma of shaved thuja sawdust leads directly to Maalem Hassan's door.
Worldwide Insured Dispatch
Reinforced wooden crates with full CITES biological and customs clearance.
Finding Us in Essaouira
Common Visitor Inquiries
Here is what to anticipate when planning a workshop consultation or commissioning an authentic Gnawa Guembri to be delivered to Europe, America, or Asia.
Maalem Hassan often sends short voice notes on WhatsApp to explain wood differences and tuning styles.
Ask on WhatsApp directly chevron_rightDo I need an appointment to visit?
Walk-in visitors are always welcome during working hours. However, if you wish to conduct in-depth acoustic sound trials, test multiple wood species, or discuss a bespoke commission with Maalem Hassan uninterrupted, we encourage giving 24 hours notice.
How are instruments shipped overseas?
Each Guembri is housed in a custom padded transport bag, encased in rigid reinforced timber framework, and shipped with tracking via express DHL/FedEx. All export certificates and CITES timber declarations are handled by the workshop.
Can I sample sound recordings before purchase?
Yes. Maalem Hassan routinely records high-fidelity acoustic audio and video clips in the medina atelier using studio microphones, allowing you to hear the low-end thud and resonant snare buzzing of your exact piece before shipment.
Can I book Gnaoua dance & rhythm classes?
Yes. Private and small-group masterclasses in Gnaoua polyrhythms, Qraqeb percussion techniques, and trance dance traditions are arranged directly inside the Yellow Workshop or affiliated cultural riads in Essaouira.
Dossier Transmitted to Maalem Hassan
Your custom instrument commission request has been recorded. Maalem Hassan or our workshop correspondence team will inspect your specifications and reply via WhatsApp or email within 24 hours.