Like all good things, my Luthier Stories series has grown completely organically over the past few months. It's been a real pleasure and a privilege to spend time with some of the finest guitar makers in the world. I knew…

This may be the first time you've heard the name Mark Gaiero but I can promise you it won't be the last! 
I met Mark during the final days of his apprenticeship at the Somogyi Guitars workshop in Oakland California.  The…

I've just returned from a wonderful trip to Oakland California, where I had the chance to catch up with my friend Leo Buendia who, like Michi Matsuda, Mario Beauregard, and Jason Kostal before him apprenticed with Ervin Somogyi. 

Since we first…

This wonderful instrument is the first Casimi Guitar, it even predates the company's logo so there's nothing on the headstock and no label! It is what was to become the Casimi C2 model and is made from Cocobolo on the…

I've loved Linda Manzer's work since first meeting her in 2009 and had harboured a secret hope that at some point I'd get a chance to play her astonishing Iceberg harp guitar having seen it exhibited as part of the Group of Seven…

Last month I spent a truly magical few days in Cape Town South Africa with Matthias Roux and Matthew Rice of Casimi Guitars. We had a lot to cram into that short stay and I came back to the UK…

I took a quick break during a marathon editing session following my trip to South Africa to visit Rosie Heydenrych at Turnstone guitars and film this wonderful TS model in Cocobolo and Alpine Spruce. the last time I saw Rosie she…

Rosie Heydenrych of Turnstone Guitars makes beautiful bespoke instruments one at a time from her workshop in Surrey UK. I first met Rosie years ago when she was still under apprenticeship and it's been very interesting to see her work…

Stefan Sobell makes some of the finest guitars in the world in his workshop in Hexham UK. His instruments are famous for their powerful, steely tone and loved by players around the world including Martin Simpson, Mark Knopfler and Darrell…

I've known Rory Dowling of Taran Guitars for several years and it was great to get the chance to catch up at this year's Holy Grail Guitar Show (Berlin) where I played some of his latest instruments. I was very impressed indeed! Taran…