Having been established in the Scottish Borders for 12 years crafting acoustic guitars, archtop guitars and mandolins, following a relocation my workshop has been re-established in Fife on the edge of Glenrothes.

 

I build only a small number of instruments each year - principally steel string acoustic guitars and archtop guitars, but also larger bodied mandolins, citterns and bouzoukis.

 

Instruments are built to commission and optimised for each individual player - their style of music and their style of playing. The method of construction, the body size and shape, the scale length, neck profile and string spacing are designed in conjunction with the player to produce a uniquely built instrument. Every set of tonewood used in the construction of an instrument is different in its characteristics, and each instrument is crafted to provide the best tone and response from the woods used in its construction.

 

Commissions generally take place over a period of about 4 months - I subscribe to the concept of Eigenzeit, that there is a time integral to any process. Or, if something is worth doing, it takes as long as it takes. An archtop guitar may take up to 6 months.

Visitors to the workshop are welcome, and having said that I build to commission, I generally try to have a couple of guitars to hand for playing and these may be available for purchase - please check if you think you may be interested.