Some recent custom builds
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This is a bespoke cant-top flat-back mandolin built from selected AAA European spruce top and beautiful figured walnut back and sides. The cant-top design is based on traditional Italian bowl-back instruments and the greater break angle of the strings over the bridge gives a powerful sound, rich midrange with top end sparkle.
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A bespoke Viola Braguesa tuned up and ready to pass on to its new owner earlier this year. Top is European spruce, back and sides are made of Pau Ferro with a mahogany neck fitted with twin carbon fibre reinforcing bars. Rosewood everything else with a TruOil finish. This has been such an interesting build requiring a thoughtful approach to construction.in the Baroque style. It sounds so sweet! Sound clip here, and more information in the Blog
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Why commission a luthier-made instrument? For pretty much the same price as a mid-range factory-built model with a famous name you get a unique hand made instrument that will sound and play as good as or possibly better than a top of the range instrument with a big name. Names and reputations count for a lot but it may be that the lower end 'big name' instrument will be sold on at some time in the future. The hand made instrument could be a keeper. Which could be better value in the long term?
OK, why? Despite the makers endorsements, technical wizardry and magic sauces, making a top sounding instrument comes down to light, stiff and resonant designs, and the choice of quality solid tonewoods (not the laminates or veneered wood that is widely used cheaper instruments) to shape the sound characteristics. Factory built instruments tend to be constructed conservatively to a median specification to produce reliable production models to pass quality control. These are nice instruments built to a high standard but in terms of playability, tone and enjoyment are they always value for money? Notwithstanding, the top of the range custom shop instruments from big names are fabulous instruments in every respect, but at significant premium..
A luthier made instrument is all about attention to detail right from the start, through every stage of the build.. For example, feel inside the soundhole of a cheaper factory made instrument - are the braces finished off neatly and smooth to the touch? Have they been scalloped out such that the top is tuned and resonates nicely as a soundboard? To me, beauty comes from the inside, and the quality of the finish to the inside of the soundbox matters as much as the appearence of the outside. No luthier I have ever met would disagree. Another factor is the effort put into the set-up and playability - most new instruments I have seen/played are far from perfect in this respect! My instruments are set up for the best possible playability which can then be adapted to the style of playing (big chords, fingerpicking, solo work high up the fret board etc).
A hand made instrument can be the investment that will return a lot of enjoyment in owning something that plays beautifully but is also unique...
OK, why? Despite the makers endorsements, technical wizardry and magic sauces, making a top sounding instrument comes down to light, stiff and resonant designs, and the choice of quality solid tonewoods (not the laminates or veneered wood that is widely used cheaper instruments) to shape the sound characteristics. Factory built instruments tend to be constructed conservatively to a median specification to produce reliable production models to pass quality control. These are nice instruments built to a high standard but in terms of playability, tone and enjoyment are they always value for money? Notwithstanding, the top of the range custom shop instruments from big names are fabulous instruments in every respect, but at significant premium..
A luthier made instrument is all about attention to detail right from the start, through every stage of the build.. For example, feel inside the soundhole of a cheaper factory made instrument - are the braces finished off neatly and smooth to the touch? Have they been scalloped out such that the top is tuned and resonates nicely as a soundboard? To me, beauty comes from the inside, and the quality of the finish to the inside of the soundbox matters as much as the appearence of the outside. No luthier I have ever met would disagree. Another factor is the effort put into the set-up and playability - most new instruments I have seen/played are far from perfect in this respect! My instruments are set up for the best possible playability which can then be adapted to the style of playing (big chords, fingerpicking, solo work high up the fret board etc).
A hand made instrument can be the investment that will return a lot of enjoyment in owning something that plays beautifully but is also unique...
Commisioning a bespoke instrument
20% A new instrument can be commissioned and built to your specifications and your budget, using sustainably sourced tonewoods, preferring native species wherever possible.
The overall cost depends on materials used, hardware and level of ornamentation (inlays, purfling etc) but great instruments can be built at a surprisingly reasonable cost - come and discuss your dream instrument and budget and we’ll see what we can do! I ask for a non-refundable deposit to cover initial procurement and design costs to commence the build. You will be kept updated throughout the build with a photo blog of work in progress. The waiting list is currently around six months. A new instrument takes time to play in and any follow up set-ups and adjustments are offered free of charge, along with a lifetime guarantee to the first owner, which covers faulty materials and workmanship. |
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Model options
So here are a few I make to give you some idea of what can be done...