Late Renaissance lutes were my speciality and I made a lot of them.
In August 2024 three of my lutes were in the workshop. On the right a 1997 lute in for refurbishment, a clean, new strings and frets. one lute
I also made other lutes, guitars and various instruments. All my instruments are custom made and I am particularly pleased to collaborate with players who have special requirements, such as tone, string length, decoration, amplification, playing technique or RSI.
RESTORATIONS
Click on the photos for a larger version. This is the case for most of the photos on the website.
I have restored many 19th century instruments. Guitars by Louis Panormo have become a speciality and I've worked on thirty-two of them. Six English guittars (a type of cittern popular in England in the 18th century) have been through the workshop, the earliest dated 1758.
REPAIRS
I repair instruments for local musicians. Many classical, steel string and electric guitars pass through the workshop. I enjoy meeting the local musicians and and often hear my repairs being played. Of course, I also repair lutes.
OTHER INTERESTS
LUTE AMPLIFICATION: I have recently devised a method to enable a lute to be successfully and sympathetically amplified. This amplified lute (using a high quality lavalier microphone) is now with its owner, Lynda Sayce. Recently, I have made two more amplified lutes.
CONSERVATION: I have always been aware that musical instrument makers use materials from rare and endangered species. I avoid these and have sought out local and ecological supplies wherever possible. My solutions to some of these problems are discussed on the website.
Sourcing quality wood for fingerboards has always been a problem, but now FSC approved African blackwood is available.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MAKING FOR NOVICES: I taught musical instrument making in adult education and university for 20 years, and I retain a strong interest in helping novice luthiers. I sell plans for guitars, lutes and other instruments. I am always available for questions about musical instrument making. Part of this website is devoted to novice lute makers.
