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INSTRUMENTS

Making an instrument from a natural living product is extremely satisfying and potentially intensely frustrating in almost equal parts. Sometimes the wood has a different idea from you as to how the build will go. Luckily the satisfaction outweighs the frustration! Each instrument has its own unique story, no two are exactly the same, and to some extent that's what motivates me - even after 25 years I'm keen to see how each new instrument sounds, and I'm still learning.  

I used to offer a number of standard models of instrument, but I found that each customer wanted something different, something unique to them. These days, while those standard models are still available, nearly every instrument is a custom order. I discuss the detailed requirements in terms of sound, style of instrument, playing style, wood, hardware and ornamentation with every customer, we choose the wood and parts and then I make the instrument, keeping the customer informed as to progress with regular updates and photos. All instruments are made from ethically sourced timber.

 

If you are interested in a hand built instrument, please contact me to arrange a visit to discuss your requirements. 

Below is a selection of recent custom and standard builds, some of which are for sale.

Sobell Large Style Mandolin (Sold)

Sobell Large Style Mandolin (Sold)

Top: European Spruce, Back & Sides: Birdseye Maple, Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard, Bridge and Head veneer: Ebony.
Hardware: Gotoh individual machine heads, Bone nut and saddle.

Santos Rosewood Classical

Santos Rosewood Classical

Top: Bear-claw European Spruce, Back & Sides: Santos Rosewood, Neck: Mahogany,
Fingerboard: Ebony, Bridge: African Blackwood, Head veneer: Santos Rosewood,
Hardware: Rubner machine heads, Bone nut and saddle.

Lacewood Dreadnought (For Sale)

Lacewood Dreadnought (For Sale)

Top: White (Canadian) Engelmann Spruce, Back & Sides: Australian Lacewood, Neck: Mahogany and Maple three-part, Fingerboard and Bridge: Ebony.
Hardware: Graphtech 'Ratio' machine heads Bone nut and saddle

Mini Jumbo (For Sale)

Mini Jumbo (For Sale)

Top: European Spruce, Back & Sides: Tasmanian Blackwood, Neck: Cherry, Mahogany and Maple five-part, Fingerboard Bridge and Head veneer: Ebony.
Hardware: Gotoh machine heads Bone nut and saddle

The "Keefette" (For Sale)

The "Keefette" (For Sale)

Top: Engleman Spruce,
Back & Sides: Mahogany,
Neck: English Cherry and Mahogany 5-piece,
Fingerboard: Blackened Oak (from sea defences),
Bridge & Head Veneer: Ziricote.
Hardware: Graph-tech Ratio Machine Heads, Bone nut and saddle.

Keefe RB Jazz model (used)

Keefe RB Jazz model (used)

Top: Spruce, Back & Sides: Figured Amercian Cherry,
Neck: Mahogany and Ebony three-part,
Fingerboard, Bridge and Head veneer: Ebony,
Bone nut and saddle, and custom mother of pearl inlays.

Keefe L Model electric (Les Paul Special style) (used)

Keefe L Model electric (Les Paul Special style) (used)

Body: Slab style Sapele with Koa facing.
Neck: Mahogany
Head veneer: Koa
Fingerboard: Ebony,
Hardware: Gold Duncan Seymour 'Antiquity' Pickups, Tune-o-matic bridge and stop bar

Sobell-Style Mandolin (Sold)

Sobell-Style Mandolin (Sold)

Top: European Spruce, Back & Sides: Birdseye Maple, Neck: Mahogany, Fingerboard, Bridge and Head veneer: Ebony.
Hardware: Gotoh individual machine heads Bone nut and saddle

1920's Martin 0021 Copy (Sold)

1920's Martin 0021 Copy (Sold)

Scale length: 25", Top: Sitka Spruce, Back & Sides: Brazilian Rosewood, Neck: Brazilian Mahogany with traditional V joint and slotted head, Fingerboard: Indian Ebony, Bridge (Pyramid Style) and Head veneer: Brazilian Rosewood

Classical Guitar (Sold)

Classical Guitar (Sold)

Top: European Spruce, Back & Sides: Indian Rosewood, Neck: Mahogany, Fingerboard: Ebony, Bridge and Head veneer: Indian Rosewood.
Hardware: Rubner machine heads, Bone nut and saddle

Custom Mandolin (Sold)

Custom Mandolin (Sold)

Top: European Spruce, Back & Sides: Yew, veneered with Brazilian Rosewood, Neck: Mahogany and Rosewood three-part, Fingerboard, Bridge and Head veneer: Brazilian Rosewood.
Hardware: Rubner machine heads, Bone nut and saddle

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