My Grandfather taught me to play guitar when I was 13. I quickly became interested in how guitars were made. At 17, a teacher asked me what I’d like to do for a living? “Make guitars.” I said. He sent me to see a man who had been looking for an apprentice. He gave me a job. It was as easy as that.
Apart from two years (1990-1992), I trained under English guitar maker Stefan Sobell from 1988 until late 2003. We made a lot of fine instruments together.
My own business began in Newcastle, England in late 2004. At first I worked from home then had a number of workshops all based in Newcastle upon Tyne.
In 2015 we moved to Leipzig, Germany. A beautiful city – well worth a visit.
Then in late 2018, we moved to south east Queensland, Australia. We live in the Gold Coast – between the sea and the mountains. Also – well worth a visit too.
Outside of instrument making, I’ve always had other interests. Much of my 20’s were spent playing in a band and practicing Aikido. In my 30’s it was yoga – very helpful after years of bending over a workbench. In my early 40’s, I spent time in Asia, traveling and volunteering. Now in my 50s, I spend much of my time working, writing and exploring Queensland.
