LUTE CONSTRUCTION SLIDESHOW
ACOUSTIC GUITAR SLIDESHOW
ELECTRIC GUITAR SLIDESHOW
Thank you for visiting.
My workshop is in north Wiltshire, England. In the 38th year of my career, I find my time roughly divided into three equal segments.
MAKING: I specialise in late Renaissance lutes, but I also make guitars and other instruments. All my instruments are custom made and I am particularly pleased with collaborations with players who have special requirements, such as tone, decoration, playing technique or RSI.
On the right, a slide show of a lute being constructed in my workshop. The music is played on lutes made by myself. The first piece is modern, 1998, and only a portion 'Crux Catalyst' by Lamb and Keane is heard. Only one lute is playing, the wild sounds are down to computer wizardry. The latter two pieces are played on the lute being constructed here. The second is 'The Right Honourable Ferdinando, Earl of Derby, His Galliard' by John Dowland followed by a duet 'The Flatt Pavanne' by John Johnson.
RESTORATIONS: I have done restorations on many old guitars, particularly those by Louis Panormo and have restored several 18th century English guittars (a type of cittern). The latest project is mentioned at the top of the restorations page.
REPAIRS: I do repairs for local musicians. Many classical, steel string and electric guitars pass through the workshop. Of course, I also repair lutes.
I thoroughly enjoy these repairs and modifications and have made two slide shows of guitars I have known, repaired or made. First, acoustic guitars, both steel string and Spanish. The music is Jackson C. Frank's Blues Run the Game sung by Paul Darby.
Below electric guitars of all types and colours. The music is The Beatles' Come Together covered by the Dubious Bros. on their recent recent CD, The Front Room Sessions..
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.
Having taught musical instrument making in adult education and university for 20 years, I retain a strong interest in helping novice luthiers. I sell guitar, lute and other plans and am always available for questions. The portion of the website named "Musical Instrument Making Information" is dedicated to amateur musical instrument makers.
