Follow whats been going on in the workshop and all the latest on Instagram
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We'll be there - See you in August!
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New! Big sounding octave mandolins with deep carved tops and backs. These have a 21" scale which is suited to both tune playing and accompaniment.
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Sound clips of octave mandolins
New! great sounding flat top mandolins that are simply styled but built and set up to the highest standards - only £850 with TGI extreme case Find out more here
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Sound clips of the simple flat-tops.
What I do....
Playability make-overs
Have your instrument set up for best playability and tone. I am an experienced player who can set up action, intonation on a new instrument or restore it to its former glory at modest cost!
Find out more here 
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Hand made instruments
I build guitars, bouzoukis, mandolins, citterns and Weissenborns which have fabulous tone, projection, playability and attention to detail at a reasonable cost. I have a small selection of instruments for sale, or will consider commissions to build an instrument to your specificaiton and budget. Find out more here
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Upgrades and repairs
I can install/upgrade nuts, bridges, machine heads, strap buttons and pickups, and remedy problems with electric instruments. I can also undertake refrets and larger repairs - get touch for advice and a free appraisal.
Find out more here 
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More videos and sound clips
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A carved celtic style mandolin with a cedar top played by Simon Mayor
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Sandy Stanage playing Albatross on a sound-ported D-style guitar with a sitka spruce top and figured mahogany back and sides
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Celtic mandolins, with sound samples
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Octave mandolins, with sound samples
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Hand-cast bronze tailpieces
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All my instruments come with a bespoke hand-made cast bronze tailpiece. These add volume and sustain to the instrument as energy from the string is reflected back to the bridge and not dissipated into the back of the instrument. Choose from the unique caltic harp design or a classic simple trapeze style. Both can accomodate loop or ball-end strings. Other designs could be 3D printed and cast as a special request. |
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Dave has done some superb work on 3 of my instruments, including my much-loved old Martin D-18 (he restored a sticky and claggy finish to a level I wouldn’t have thought possible.) I’ve also been impressed by the quality of the instruments he has built and may well ask him to make one for me some day!
MOT for a Gordon Smith Tele and American Schecter nicely executed. I definitely recommend Dave's services.
I was having trouble with a new octave mandolin that hadn't been set up correctly in the shop. I emailed Dave and he responded really quickly and we set up an appointment for me to take it by. He was able to set it up properly for me and answered all my questions while he was at it!
Dave is super friendly and gave my Martin acoustic some much needed TLC. It now plays like the first day I purchased it. I would highly recommend Him for any guitar work. His own build guitars also look superb! Will absolutely use again.
After waiting 8 years for a Viola Braguesa I found the right maker. Dave said he’d not heard of them but that didn’t stop him. Within a few days he’d sorted the details. I was initially nervous but friends who bought hand made instruments by him were in no doubt. It took him only a month & the result was a bright clear sound with easy action on the finger board. The design classic, with some Mattey original touches. His care & attention to detail exceptional. He experimented with different tunings & was able to advise on the best tuning for sessions. It sounds like a ringing small 12 string guitar but with ten strings. Mr Mattey is a master. March 2023
I took a rather beaten up Martin to Dave and asked him to repair damage to the soundboard and carry out a partial refret. The end result is way better than I was hoping for. The improvement to the soundboard is incredible (see the pics) and with the partial refret and set up, the guitar is playing beautifully. Great craftsmanship for a very reasonable price and a lovely chap to chat with to boot! March 2023
Two jobs: First, a complete overhaul and new Lindy Fralin pick-ups fitted to my 1980s Fender Telecaster. Second, a restoration and deep-clean of my 40-year-old Ovation Adamas. Both beautifully done. The Adamas is like a new guitar once more. And the Tele plays wonderfully and sounds fantastic. Great work, thank you! Highly recommended. January 2023
I first met Dave from B&H Mandolins on his stand at Wickham Festival 2022 when I stopped to admire the beautiful instruments that he had made. We discussed some 'issues' with my mandolin (not B&H). I followed up our chat and recently had Dave make the changes that he had suggested. I am delighted with the work done and the service and advice that I received. Dave is a really nice guy, he is interesting, willingly shares his knowledge and experience, and his work is of a very high standard. I am very glad to have met him., January 2023
MOT for a Gordon Smith Tele and American Schecter nicely executed. I definitely recommend Dave's services.
I was having trouble with a new octave mandolin that hadn't been set up correctly in the shop. I emailed Dave and he responded really quickly and we set up an appointment for me to take it by. He was able to set it up properly for me and answered all my questions while he was at it!
Dave is super friendly and gave my Martin acoustic some much needed TLC. It now plays like the first day I purchased it. I would highly recommend Him for any guitar work. His own build guitars also look superb! Will absolutely use again.
After waiting 8 years for a Viola Braguesa I found the right maker. Dave said he’d not heard of them but that didn’t stop him. Within a few days he’d sorted the details. I was initially nervous but friends who bought hand made instruments by him were in no doubt. It took him only a month & the result was a bright clear sound with easy action on the finger board. The design classic, with some Mattey original touches. His care & attention to detail exceptional. He experimented with different tunings & was able to advise on the best tuning for sessions. It sounds like a ringing small 12 string guitar but with ten strings. Mr Mattey is a master. March 2023
I took a rather beaten up Martin to Dave and asked him to repair damage to the soundboard and carry out a partial refret. The end result is way better than I was hoping for. The improvement to the soundboard is incredible (see the pics) and with the partial refret and set up, the guitar is playing beautifully. Great craftsmanship for a very reasonable price and a lovely chap to chat with to boot! March 2023
Two jobs: First, a complete overhaul and new Lindy Fralin pick-ups fitted to my 1980s Fender Telecaster. Second, a restoration and deep-clean of my 40-year-old Ovation Adamas. Both beautifully done. The Adamas is like a new guitar once more. And the Tele plays wonderfully and sounds fantastic. Great work, thank you! Highly recommended. January 2023
I first met Dave from B&H Mandolins on his stand at Wickham Festival 2022 when I stopped to admire the beautiful instruments that he had made. We discussed some 'issues' with my mandolin (not B&H). I followed up our chat and recently had Dave make the changes that he had suggested. I am delighted with the work done and the service and advice that I received. Dave is a really nice guy, he is interesting, willingly shares his knowledge and experience, and his work is of a very high standard. I am very glad to have met him., January 2023
....good to see you earlier and I'm thrilled to have my new octave mandolin.. Absolutely delighted with it. Thank you indeed for giving it so much thought and for taking such care to create a very beautiful instrument that you can be proud of.. Each note is pure with impressive sustain, sounds amazing and looks amazing too. Yew is not the easiest wood to work with, but what an awesome back and sides you've created.. quite unique. It was kind of you for involving me in the design and building process.. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and feel I've learnt a lot.
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