(First published in Guitarist magazine, issue #482) This month Alex dismantles a piece of 1960s American guitar history hoping to bring it back to its former glory. As a repairer of guitars both old and new, I cover everything from minor set ups to time-consuming restoration projects. It might be valuable, worthless, historical or absurd; I feel like I’ve seen it all (seemingly, that is, until the next customer walks through the door). But what also fascinates me is the motiv

This month Alex contends with the tricky process of expertly fretting a hand built guitar.

This month Alex begins the restoration of an iconic piece of bass guitar history.

What defines the sound of a guitar? This month Alex cracks the secret of perfect tone once and for all.

Can Alex rise to the challenge of bringing a road-worn jazz guitar back to its former glory?

Confessions of a luthier (First published in Guitarist magazine, issue #475) This month Alex considers alternative tonewoods: have traditional timbers have had their day? A few months ago I hinted in this column about a new project I am undertaking to visit the ’50 Great British Trees’, as designated by The Tree Council in 2002. With my furniture-making friend Danny in tow, we decided that in addition to seeing each of these unique trees in person, we would pay homage to ever

Confessions of a luthier (First published in Guitarist magazine, issue #474) This month Alex peeks behind the curtain to unveil the mysterious world of acoustic guitar bracing, and understand what makes it so important. When I’m discussing a potential guitar commission with a client, there are so many different aspects to cover, but a handful of topics are perennial. Naturally, a lot of players are keen to talk over which timbers we might be using. The shape and outward desig

Confessions of a luthier (First published in Guitarist magazine, issue #472) This month Alex attempts a tricky repair job on an unusual...

Confessions of a luthier (First published in Guitarist magazine, issue #469) This month Alex tackles the common misconceptions around...

Confessions of a luthier (First published in Guitarist magazine, issue #468) Alone again in the workshop for lockdown 2.0, Alex ponders...

Confessions of a luthier (First published in Guitarist magazine, issue #467) Why do some some guitars sound special? Alex considers...

(First published in Guitarist magazine, issue #466) After finishing three years studying guitar making, in 2011 I moved into my first...

(First published in Guitarist magazine, issue #465) I’m progressing through a very unique (for me) project this week: a trio of tenor...

(First published in Guitarist magazine, issue #463) The easing of lockdown restrictions has stimulated a change of atmosphere in the...

(First published in Guitarist magazine, issue #462) The rack of unpolished guitars hanging up in my workshop this week probably signals...

( First published in Guitarist magazine, issue #461) I love a bit of aesthetic flair in a handmade guitar, but no one can argue that...

I have an exciting new project to announce! In 2014, I decided to begin a lifelong project to see all 50 of the Great British Trees, as...

As you'll see, reader of the future, it's been far too long since my last blog post. However, all with good reason. Whilst 2020 is likely...

I'm thrilled to announced that anyone with an interest in building their own guitar can now book lessons via Bristol Guitar Making...

As promised here is a snippet of the nylon strung hybrid guitar in action, as played by myself at the end of a long workshop day. Despite...