At Newark and Sherwood College in Newark-on-Trent, I studied the hand crafting of classical guitars for two years. Using traditional methods and techniques is so satisfying that it will never leave me. I try to do as much work by hand as possible, although time and cost constraints as well as practicality often me… Read More
At Newark and Sherwood College in Newark-on-Trent, I studied the hand crafting of classical guitars for two years. Using traditional methods and techniques is so satisfying that it will never leave me. I try to do as much work by hand as possible, although time and cost constraints as well as practicality often mean the use of a router or a pillar drill at some stage. I like to source my wood locally and sustainably where I can, and I like to select it myself if I can. There is a very satisfying feeling to be had walking through a sawmill, imagining the instruments within the lumber. Once the wood has been chosen its orientation can be decided, to give the best figure on the finished instrument. The varitiation in colour, figure, and structure in timber from different trees of the same species, or even different pieces of the same tree can be dramatic. It is this variety and unpredictability that makes working with wood so satisfying. Every piece of wood will react differently. I only use clear natural finishes, I believe that they improve the tone of the instrument and I feel that they best show the quality of the materials beneath. Making an instrument is like making a tool, it will inspire and it will be used to create yet more beautiful works. It will last at least one lifetime. Read Less
F GQFeatured On: 01/23/09
F GQFeatured On: 03/05/09
